Mrs. Phelix Helen Harris

Phelix Helen Harris was born to Johnnie and Avellah Hale on October 23, 1934. Born in Glendora and raised in Webb, Mississippi. She attended Dawson School and spent her days caring for her younger siblings. In 1955, she moved to Detroit, MI where she met and shared her life with John Harris Sr., who preceded her in death. Together, they raised six children, James Hale (Jean), Delois Kiner Thompson (William), Deborah McCarty (Reid), John Harris Jr. (preceded her in death), Joseph Harris (Metina) and Chandra Harris Williams (Randal). She loved her family and loved God. She attended Immanuel Baptist Church in Detroit, MI. On any given Sunday, you could find her fully engaged in the Bobby Jones Gospel show. She enjoyed listening to gospel greats such as Mahalia Jackson and Shirley Caesar. In more recent years, she began to branch into modern gospel artists and said her favorite song was “I Won’t Go Back” by William McDowell. She was known for her southern sayings which made the family laugh, even if they didn’t understand them! She had a warm heart and a gentle spirit, but was never afraid to say exactly what was on her mind. If she thought it, she said it – no questions asked! Some called it spunk, some called it jazz, some called it fire – she called it TRUTH! As she often said “Tell the truth and stay in church!” Although she had a firecracker personality, she also had a mellow side that would wake up in the morning with the birds, have her toast and coffee and watch the news. She watched the news and read the newspaper around the clock because she always wanted to be in the know. She also enjoyed game shows, particularly Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy, which she watched daily. She always had a bag of Hershey’s Kisses and a Vernors pop in the fridge, which all of her children and grandchildren admitted to sneaking into. Oops! No one ever knew that they weren’t the only one sneaking into it – no wonder her kisses disappeared so fast! She had a special place in the hearts of many. She retired as a cook from Restoration Tower, where she showed her love to many elderly residents. At home, she was known as Mama, Grandma, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and lovingly called “Grandma” by her sister Nora, who she called “Old Folks.” No matter what she was called, her presence will be missed!

Mrs. Phelix Helen Harris

October 23, 1934 - April 18, 2013