Althea P. Harris

Althea Mae Harris (nee Perry) was born on February 16, 1928 to the late Nathaniel and Isadora Perry (nee Gadsden) in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. She was raised in and was a lifelong resident of Chester, Pennsylvania, where she was educated in the city’s schools. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church for many years until her health precluded her attendance in her later years. However, she continued to faithfully pray and read her bible every morning. In 1945, she married Commodore S. Harris, Sr., and through this 55-year union had 6 children. Throughout the years, Althea was employed at a number of places, including Phillips Mushroom Farms in Kennett Square, PA, Norway Cleaners and 5th Street Daycare. Her longest career was as receptionist at the office of her son, Dr. Lovell Harris, where she worked for 24 years, retiring from this position in 2004. Althea had a quiet and strong spirit which garnered reverence from all she encountered. She loved her family dearly and was very proud of their many accomplishments. Upon seeing her children and grandchildren, she would playfully greet them with a special nickname that she bestowed on them. In her younger years, she was an avid pinochle player---a pastime she engaged in happily with her sons. During each Thanksgiving holiday season, she lovingly prepared a big meal with her daughter Sandra, for the whole family and their offspring. She carried on this tradition well into her twilight years. She also loved traveling with her husband, especially to Aruba and Hawaii. At noon each day, you could find her relaxing in her recliner with a Canada Dry Ginger Ale watching her soaps, such as “The Young and The Restless” and “The Bold and The Beautiful.” Althea was also known to be very clean, meticulous, and organized, arising very early every morning to tend to her immaculate home. Friends would remark that her home was so spotless that you could eat off of the floor! She made everyone in her family feel uniquely loved on their birthdays and holidays with a special card just for them. In essence, her family, friends, and her home were her pride and joy and she gave to them her all. Althea was predeceased by her husband, Commodore S. Harris, Sr., daughter, Sandra E. Lewis, and son-in-law Nolan Lewis. Her spirit and memory will live on in her five sons, Commodore S. Harris, Jr. (Barbara) of Chester, PA., Theron L. Harris (Matilda) of Strongsville, OH., Lovell Harris of Philadelphia, PA., Brion Harris (Nan) of Chester, PA., and Kedrick Harris (Denise) of Wilmington, DE. Additionally, she leaves behind eight grandchildren, Tracey L. Harris, Danita R. Harris, Nicole R. Harris, Kedrick B. Harris, Keona L. Bennett (Cederic), Tiffany Y. Harris, Andre S. Harris (Karla), and Brittany A. Harris; as well as seven great-grandchildren, Ja’Naizsa Harris, Olin Horsey, Chase Pratt, Andrew Harris, Brielle Harris, Jordan Bennett and Leslyn Bennett; goddaughter J’Me McLaughlin, special friends Alice White and Doris Ellis, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Althea P. Harris

February 16, 1928 - November 23, 2020