Helen Demetris Harris' Obituary
Helen Demetris Allen Harris was born on January 14, 1934, in Mound City, Illinois to the
union of the late Otis Allen Sr. and Lucille Moss Allen. She grew up in Mound City with her
brothers, Otis Jr. and Clarence, and her sister, Mary. In 1951, Helen graduated from LoveJoy
High School and later that same year married Henry Harris.
Henry and Helen later moved to Jackson, Michigan and lived there for over 60 years. From this
union, 9 children were born. Henry and Helen were together 42 years before his death.
Helen gave her life to Christ. She made sure that her children were in church and serving God
and the ministry at Faith Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Elder
Non Walker, and now Apostle John S. Walker. She loved the Lord and his people. She served
faithfully as a Sunday School Teacher, on the Mother’s Board, and did a host of other duties in
the church.
Education was stressed in the Harris household. Helen went to Jackson Business School; and
was thankful that all her children graduated from high school, where some even went on to
obtain college degrees as well. She was so very proud of her children, grandchildren, and all
their accomplishments.
On May 23, 2022, Helen departed this earthly realm and is now resting in the arms of her
Savior. After some years of illness, she closed her eyes and went to be with the Lord. She praised
God and gave him thanks all the way up until she took her last breath.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Otis Allen Sr. and Lucille Moss Allen; her
husband, Henry Harris; her two children, Ronald Harris and Regina Harris; her brother, Otis
Allen Jr.; her grandson, William Duling II; and her granddaughter, Oveda Parker.
She leaves to mourn her 7 children, Dr. William Harris – College Park, MD, Henrietta Duling
(William) – Jackson, MI, Thomas J. Harris Sr. – Jackson, MI, Henry M. Harris – Jackson, MI,
Jerome Harris – Indianapolis, IN, Glenn Harris (Perrmella) – Onsted, MI, and Michele Cooper
(Reginald) – Redford, MI; one sister, Mary L. Jackson – Marion, IN; one brother, Clarence
Allen – Indianapolis, IN; daughter-in-love, Phyllis Harris – Marion, IN; 18 grandchildren; 16
great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; special cousins, Wanda Holmes and Oletha
Curling; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends; including her special friends whom
she thought of as sisters, Ora West and Betty Smith.
What’s your fondest memory of Helen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Helen?
Share a story where Helen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Helen you’ll never forget.
How did Helen make you smile?
