Mary A. Harris

Our beloved Mother, Mary Annette (Wells) Harris went home to be with the Lord on October 30, 2025, in Akron, Ohio, shortly after celebrating her 93rd birthday. Born October 17, 1932, in Washington County, Texas. Mary was the second of three children blessed by the union of Henry and Elnora (Laster) Wells. To say Mom’s family was close would be an understatement, as they were tighter than tight! They truly enjoyed being together and gathering with their extended family. Mom grew up in Baytown, TX, in a section known as McNair Station. Mary was an exceptional student and quick learner. Named 1949 class valedictorian, Mary graduated from George Washington Carver High School. Later that year Mom began her college career at age 16, attending Prairie View A&M University. Mom often joked about starting college so young and could not wait until her 17th birthday, so she could attend more campus activities. Mary graduated from college in 1953 earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Mom later relocated to Washington, D.C., where she met and married the love of her life, William Henderson Harris, Jr. In 1955, Mary was hired by The U.S. Department of Health, Education, & Welfare, as a Grant Management Specialist. Mary, a dedicated employee, served in this position for twenty-five years before retiring in 1980. Although Mom retired at what would be considered an early age, she never stopped working. Mary a wiz with numbers, began volunteering (alongside her best friend, Thelma Breeden) in the financial office of her church (Shiloh Baptist Church in Washington, D.C.). What began as a few hours per week, turned into a paid position, which lasted twenty years. Mary’s love of numbers did not stop there, after moving to Tallmadge, Ohio in 2004 and later joining The House of the Lord Church in Akron, OH, she volunteered to work with the finance ministry. Mom loved baking pound cakes on Saturdays, so she could serve the finance team on Sundays while they conducted business. Mom enjoyed completing newspaper crossword puzzles, watching game shows, constructing puzzles (the more the pieces the better), but most of all, she was an avid reader. Mom would read 2 to 4 books a week and has an enormous library full of books from her favorite authors. Mom read so many books that the staff at Tallmadge Library became familiar with her (she ran out of space to house her books, so she stopped purchasing books and began checking out library books). Mom’s greatest joy was loving her family! She loved us with all her heart and if she discovered you needed anything, the next thing you knew, it was at your doorstep. Mom was a vital part of our lives and often shared family history with us; she was the last surviving matriarch in our linage. Mom shared our joys and sorrows, births and losses, pains, and sufferings. Mom was there through it all! Affectionately known as Grandnana, Mom doted on her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces and her close cousins. Celebrating the holidays, helping them move, watching their sporting events, attending birthday parties and graduations, whatever they engaged in she tried to participate. Mary, full of life, love, wisdom, humor, and wit, that’s our mother! We are heartbroken by your physical absence, but you will forever be a part of our lives and memories! Mary is survived by her children, Patsy (Jimmy, Sr.) Powell of Suitland, MD, Reneé (Harry, Jr.) Wright of Hudson, OH and Carl Harris of Tallmadge, OH., along with five grandchildren Shaun Powell, Derrell (Kelly) Wright, Danielle Wright, Jimmy (Madina) Powell, Jr. and Teela Powell-Corbin; nine great-grandchildren, Jacquéz Powell, Keyondré Powell, Zia Corbin, Zuré Corbin, Mason Wright, Benjamin Wright, Mala Powell, Brooke Benedicto and Jax Powell. Special nephews, nieces, great nieces, and cousins. Mom was preceded in death by her husband, William Henderson Harris, Jr., her parents, Elnora (Laster) and Henry Wells, her sister Jimmie Bowen and brother-in-law Allen Bowen, her sister Ella Wells and nephew Henry Allen Bowen. Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 3PM to 5 PM at Stewart and Calhoun Funeral Home (529 W. Thornton St, Akron, OH 44307). In lieu of flowers donations can be made to American Cancer Society.

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Mary A. Harris

October 17, 1932 - October 30, 2025