Tonette Ivan Harris

Tonette Ivan Harris (affectionately referred to as “Toni”), the fourth of five children born to the late Thomas Earl Lewis and Maggie Bell Lewis on April 3, 1964, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, departed this earthly home on September 19, 2023, after her battle with many health issues. During the early years, Sister Tonette attended school in the Wayne County Public Schools system in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Additionally, she dedicated her life to Christ at an early age; was baptized and attended Central Heights Freewill Baptist Church in Goldsboro, North Carolina where she formed a youth choir/group from descendants of the Revelation Gospel Singers and named them The New Generation of the Revelations. Later in life, Sister Tonette moved to Maryland, where she met and married the late Andre DeMarcus Harris. They were blessed with two children from that union—Kanisha and Marcellus. She was employed at The Arc in Washington, DC where she was a faithful and diligent employee. Although she moved from her home in North Carolina, she never forgot her Christian upbringing. She joined Rock Creek Baptist Church in Washington, DC and faithfully served in the Sunday School, often attending Mt. Bethel Baptist Sunday School Retreats. Life has a way of changing things, as a result, Sister Tonette and her family moved their membership to First Baptist Church of College Park. Once again that Christian upbringing shone forth. Sister Tonette didn’t sit down on the Lord. She threw herself into singing with the Cross and Crown, dancing with Spiritual Praise Liturgical Dance Ministry, helping with the Sunday School’s Primary Class, as well as working with the youth at Vacation Bible School. And she faithfully attended morning worship, Bible Study, and Intercessory Prayer. Sister Tonette fought a good fight, and she finished the course. She has gone on to glory to receive her reward. Her departure has affected so many; however, remember the good times! Toni leaves to cherish her memories, as well as mourn her loss: her daughter and son, Kanisha and Marcellus Harris; four stepchildren: Shawn Harris (Katie), Beltsville, MD, Sharee Harris, Severn, MD, and Shawin Harris (Sadehka), Hagerstown, MD, and Jennifer Cook, Suitland, MD; 11 loving grandchildren; four sisters: Patricia Bell, Deidra Talley, Anitra Lewis, and Sonja Lewis (all of North Carolina); one uncle, Robert Lewis (North Carolina); two brothers-in-law, four sisters-in-law; godparents Gus and Joyce Best (North Carolina); two godbrothers: Tic Lewis and James Roger McLaurin; two godchildren: Ashley and Brysn Cobb; godparent to her children, Delores “Wallette” Stroud; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members, friends, and her First Baptist Church family.

Tributes

Tonette Ivan Harris

April 3, 1964 - September 19, 2023