Brenda May Harris

Brenda May Harris, 83, of Oberlin passed away on March 26, 2024 at Cleveland Clinic in Avon. She was born on September 29, 1940 in Cadiz, OH to the union of James and Lillie Brooks. She graduated from Cadiz High School in 1958. After graduation, she moved to Oberlin and in 1959 married Roosevelt Harris at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church’s parsonage which was located on the corner of Park and Groveland St. To their union 7 children were born.

As a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Oberlin, she was a part of the Deaconess Board and a member of the Sisters of Wisdom Ministry. She also performed the services of Sunday School Teacher and Sunday School Superintendent. As a member of the Condolence Ministry, she was well known for her macaroni and cheese.

Her work experiences include that of a factory worker for American Greetings, teacher for the Head Start Program, and a laborer at Gilford Instrument. She enjoyed bowling, reading the Chronicle Telegram, watching the Hallmark Channel, Wheel of Fortune, and Family Feud with her great granddaughters.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 64 years, Roosevelt Harris Sr., 3 sons: Roosevelt Harris Jr., Dale (Tracey) Harris, and Qualin (Kasey) Harris; stepson Anthony Shumpert Sr.; 3 daughters: Lena (Brian) Wilson, Martha L. Harris, and LaKrisha Harris; 5 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, 7 step great grandchildren; 3 sisters: Karen (Greg) McFarland, Peggy Ashford, Ursula Sizemore, a cousin, who was raised as a sister, Janet McMickens; a host of in-laws, nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents James E. and Lillie L. (Reed) Brooks, daughter Akisha Harris, stepson Donald Shumpert, sister Darlene Gray, step great grandson Danico Dinwiddie, and great granddaughter Amina Harris.

There will be a visitation on Tuesday April 2nd from 5-8pm at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 47 Locust St. in Oberlin. Visitation will also be on Wednesday April 3rd from 10am until time of service at 11am at the church with Rev. Fred L. Bell officiating. Burial will follow in Westwood Cemetery of Oberlin. Online condolences may be made at www.cowlingfuneralhomeoh.com.

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