Mother Paula Harris

Mother Harris was born Paula Arnita Stevenson in Philadelphia, PA on December 12, 1931 to Paul G Stevenson Sr. and Gladys F. Stevenson (both deceased). She was the oldest of 2 children.

Paula was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System, and furthered her training at the Philadelphia O.I.C. where she learned secretarial skills. She worked for the State Department and later retired as a 911 dispatcher with the City of Philadelphia.

It was at O.I.C that Paula met and married James Earl Harris(deceased). Paula was the mother of three children: Sydney Elaine, Earl Timothy, and Eunice Ann.

Steve, Aunt Nita, Mom Paula, Mother Harris as she was fondly called began her Christian training as a child at First Colored Westly Methodist Church, then on to, St Phillips Evangelical Lutheran Church; Trinity Independent Church; Evelyn Graves Ministries (Christ Chapel); Hickman Temple; National Temple Pentecostal Church of God; Mt Calvary COGIC. While attending Christ Chapel (EGMC), Paula enrolled in Main Bible Institute, from which she graduated and continued there to teach Romans then later served musically in their services. All of the above churches, Mother Harris served as a Musician, Sunday School Teacher, and most of all a willing servant to the leaders and its members.

There was no organ or piano that was ever made that she could not make sing or dance.

Mother Harris was an organizer. She loved things done just so. Everything she touched had to be perfected. She loved working large puzzles with her children and dominos with grands and oldest great grand. In later years she fell in love with word search and crossword puzzles. She also learned to play games on her computer. Paula, really was a genius in her own rite. There was nothing that she would not master.

Paula was the senior mother at Mighty Exploits Ministries (MEM) and was affectionately referred to as, “Mother Harris.” She was extremely happy to serve under her daughter, Apostle Eunice A. Bishaw. She was baptized by her daughter and enjoyed coming to service and getting her dance on. Prayer was also what Paula loved, so much so she kept prayer times.

Paula A Harris leaves to cherish her memories: 1 brother: Paula G Stevenson Jr.(California); 3 children: Sydney E Stevenson (Philadelphia), Earl T Harris Sr. (Michigan), Eunice A Bishaw (Juan Bishaw; Norristown); 6 grandchildren: Valeda (Delaware), Earl Harris Jr. (Pittsburgh), Harlen Harris (Pittsburgh), William Harris (Pittsburgh), NaTay Arnold (Ohio), and Mia Harris (Ohio); 3 great grandchildren: Kimani (Delaware), Makenzi (Pittsburgh), Jameir (Pittsburgh) and many cousins. A host of godchildren; nieces; nephews; great nieces and great nephews. A very special daughter: Verliyce Sayweh (Samuel Sr.); and special grands Samuel Sayweh Jr and Cadence; and so many more whom we can’t even name but please know you are not forgotten. We know she will forever remain in our hearts.

Special recognition to Germantown Home, where Paula lived the last several years. She enjoyed playing the piano for services in the recreation room for the residents. She also spent her day talking to the nurses and staff and sitting in the dining hall.