- Date Of Birth: July 15, 1915
- Date Of Death: November 26, 2021
- State: Ohio
Evelyn Harris departed this life November 26, 2021.
On Friday, November 26, 2021 our Lord and Savior woke Gran up for just a little while to say goodbye, then she fell peacefully asleep into his loving arms.
Evelyn Elizabeth Harris affectionately known as “Gran” and “Grandma Harris,” was born July 15, 1915 to the marriage of Granville Lacy Chapman and Sylvia Mae St. Clair of Columbus, Ohio. She was the only child within this union.
Evelyn was educated in the Columbus Public Schools System. After graduating she married the love of her life James F. Harris and had two beautiful girls, Norma Jean and Muriel Lucille. She worked as an Elevator Operator at the Neil House in Downtown Columbus. She retired after 30 years of dedicated service with The Ohio State University as a Dormitory Housekeeper.
While Evelyn was raised in Christian beliefs, it was later in life that she became a woman of unyielding faith in God. She was member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church and later joined Mt. Vernon A.M.E Church where she remained until her death. Evelyn was a “regular” member and church “goer,” until Pastor William S. Wheatley became her Shepherd. Under his leadership, Evelyn became more active in the church. She attended every bible study, joined the Regeneration Choir, the Grand March group and she was a member of the Stewardess Board. As a member of the Grand March Group, she marched in the Juneteenth Parade. Evelyn really loved Pastor Wheatley and her Church family. She had many close and dear friends.
Evelyn left no doubt that she was head of our family. While she only had two daughters, she raised a village. She would take care of anyone and everyone she could. She taught us to treat people as we want to be treated. Evelyn not only provided food and shelter to those in need but she imparted wisdom.
You could talk to her about anything. She would give advice from her personal experiences. Everyone loved that about her. In her later years, she had to become both Mother and Grandmother and she did an exceptional job in both roles.
Evelyn never had a driver’s license and she walked everywhere. Distance was no issue, she loved it and said walking all of those years kept her alive. Evelyn loved shopping especially in the grocery stores. She got excited about food and she loved “chocolates and Peeps.” She would be content sitting comfortably with some food and a good Western on TV.
Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents, Granville Lacy and Sylvia Mae Chapman, daughters, Muriel Lucille Lewis-Barnes and Norma Jean Harris-Watkins, son- in-law Luther H. Barnes Jr., great-great grandson Marshawn Malique Barnes, Nephew William G. Barber Jr. cousins, Marcella Allen, Anna Kimble, Betty Fain, Ruby Lewis, Thomas Broady Jr., Gerald Broady Sr. She is survived by her grandchildren, Michelle (Charles) McMillon, Darvyn Lewis, Tracey, Kelley, Cortney, Jennifer and Shawn Barnes, great grandchildren, Cieara, Olivia and Alexia Barnes, Michael and Matthew Lewis, Jazmine Whiteside, Spencer Hillman, Justin (Divinity) Gatewood and Tre Pendergrass, Seventeen great-great grandchildren, son-in-law, William R. Watkins, cousins, Estella Bass, Elder Janet Kimble-Smith, Janet Shannon, Guy Arnold, special daughters, Audrey Stokes, Sharon Hawkins and Sandra Butler, special grandchild Delores Moore, Many special cousins, relatives and friends.
