Obituary of Adleen McHarris

~~To live 96 years is remarkable; to live a remarkable life for 96 years is Adleen McHarris. A testament to the power of hard work, persistence and tenacity, Adleen, affectionately known as “Nan-ny,” consistently exuded heart through heartache, modeled tri-umph over trials and bestowed a legacy of grace, courage and faith upon four generations in her lifetime.

Nanny was born Adleen Hill on February 28, 1921 to the late Jes-se and Mary Hill in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she was raised alongside her sisters, Melvina (Aunt Vennie) Smith, and her twin, Earline (Aunt Sis) Dupree.  Upon completion of elementary and secondary school, Nanny and her sisters followed their parents to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in search of a better quality of life. 

While in Philadelphia, Nanny would nurture her love of singing and gospel music as a member of the choir at Union Baptist Church.  Then in her early twenties, she met and married famed tap dancer, David McHarris.  From their union, Adleen gave birth to a son, Ronald McHarris, and twin daughters, Terry L. Brown and Sherry A. Willis.  Later in life she met James Jackson who became her friend and loving companion until his death in 2011.

Determined and fiercely independent, Nanny worked for many years, first working for Jetronics Industries and then for the State of Pennsylvania as a homemaker until her retirement.  Nanny also resided on her own for many years until relocating to South Jersey to live with her daughters and their families, commencing the tradition of “Chicken Sundays,” when Nanny would serve up her beloved fried chicken, candied yams and macaroni and cheese for all to fight over after church.  Even after moving with her daughters, Nanny maintained her independence, choosing to walk whenever, and wherever she wanted!  She was even known to walk from Voorhees to Sicklerville well past the age of 70.

Stern and strong, yet nurturing and protective, Nanny had the unique ability to be an “ever-present” help while affording you room to grow and challenging you to take responsibility.  A true matriarch, Nanny instilled in her children and grandchildren an in-tolerance for laziness, unwavering commitment to family, and firm faith in God.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Mary Hill; siblings, Melvina Smith and Earline Dupree; companion, James Jackson; and son in-law, William Brown.  She leaves to cherish her memory, children, Ronald McHarris, Terry L. Brown and Sherry A. Willis (Eddie Sr.); grandchildren, Deanna Evans, Kevin Brown, Sr. (Angela), Dawn McHarris, Eddie Willis, Jr., Danielle Pierre (Lucmann), Rona McHarris, Crystal Brown, Leeann Sims (Mike), Christopher Willis and Natalie Brown; great grandchildren, Ricky Evans, Kevin “KJ” Brown, II, Ian McHarris, Dominique Watkins, Darrian McHarris, James Lewis, Olivia Brown, Atira Lee, Brianna Brown, Dasha Brown, Maya Truitt, Alaya Bigham, Daymere Bigham, Noah Groce, William “Amir” Brown, Amani Brown, Gabrielle Pierre, Abigail Pierre, Zion Brown, Zion Groce and LJ Pierre; great, great grandchildren, Eddie Willis III, Leila Evans and Ebbie Watkins III; and a host of nieces and nephews.