Lillian Harris

A Child’s Song

Lillian Loretta Lea first lifted her voice in song unto the Lord when she was born to the late Mary Ellen Morrow on March 9, 1925, in Blanch, North Carolina.

As a child, Lillian loved to sing and eagerly joined the choir after accepting Christ at an early age at the River Zion Baptist Church in Blanch, North Carolina. Lillian was educated in the public school system in Blanch where she graduated and received her high school diploma in 1943.

A Young Woman’s Song

On November 26, 1947 Lillian was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, James Mims Harris. The young couple established their first home in Blanch, North Carolina and later migrated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Through their hard work and perseverance, James and Lil, as she was affectionately known, were able to purchase a house in the West Oak Lane section of the city in 1959.

They both enjoyed the fruits of their labor as they entertained and cooked for their family and friends. Lillian was blessed to find employment in Philadelphia at Colonial Beef where she worked as a Supervisor until her retirement.

A Woman’s Voice of Praise

In 1962 Lillian and James joined Second Macedonia Baptist Church, under the pastorage of the late Rev. Dr. Thomas J. Ritter. Lillian served on the Ladies Auxiliary Usher Board for several years. She also joined

the newly formed Gospel Chorus and it was there that Lillian found a place to lift her soprano voice in praise to her Lord and Savior. Lillian served as a faithful member of this melodious choir for well over 50 years until her health began to decline.

After the death of her dear husband in 1999, Lil and her sister Clarice became inseparable when the two became each other’s caretakers and roommates. Lil was devoted to her sister until her passing in 2018.

In her later years, Lil had to accept the assistance of a neighbor, Rose Austin, who became her live-in companion until her passing. Lil looked forward to the monthly visits from the deacons of Second Macedonia Baptist Church who served her communion under the direction of Reverend Harold R. Jolley.

Her Final Song

On Tuesday, November 26th, 2019, her 72nd wedding anniversary, our Lord called Lillian from labor to reward but her song of praise will continue through her devoted cousin, Alvera Lipscomb, her brother-in-law, Lynnwood Harris and wife Shirley; her sister-in-law, Lydia Katherine Transou; her nephews, Theodore and Douglas Harris; her companion Rose Austin; her devoted neighbors, Greg and Etta Nelson; longtime friend and faithful companion, Kathleen Washington, cousins, other relatives and friends.