Obituary of Inez Harris

Inez Harris (affectionately known as Nezzie and Goomom) was born to the late Joseph T and Ollie Johnson on February 3, 1928 in Greenwood, South Carolina. She was the one of 11 siblings (ten sisters and one brother). Inez accepted Christ at an early age. She grew up in a Christian home & attended Grace Temple Baptist Church in Lawnside, NJ where she sang on the choir. She was educated in Lawnside Public Schools and later graduated from Haddon Heights High School. As a teenager, Inez enjoyed roller-skating and was a vivacious social butterfly. She worked as a clerk in her sister’s store and restaurant (Waples Restaurant). It was there that she met the love of her life the late Robert A Harris. They later wed and started life together with Robert’s beloved step-daughter Gloria. They were married 35 years and from that union they were blessed with three beloved daughters, Pamela, Joy, and Robin. Inez held positions at several local companies but her most meaningful time was spent in her life’s calling as a dedicated and loving mother. She was passionate about education, spirituality, music, arts and other cultural & diverse pursuits. She joined and held positions on Parent Teacher’s Associations (PTA’s) and ensured that education in all disciplines was a high priority and all her girls were educated at the highest level. Her efforts continued as she actively supported the education and development of her grandchildren by devoting her time to assist in their education and drive them to and from afterschool activities. She left a legacy of musicians and/or love of music over the next 3 generations. Inez continued her spiritual growth throughout the years. She attended Jones Tabernacle AME for several years in North Philadelphia before becoming a founding member of the Temple of Devine Love where she served as President of Christ Circles #10 which was one of the largest fellowship groups. Later, she joined Pinn Memorial Baptist Church, where she was President of the hospitality committee for many years. She remained a faithful and active member of Pinn for 40 years until illness restricted regular attendance. She enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends and playing pinochle. She especially enjoyed playing pinochle once a month with her ladies club. She remained active with her friends and community and continued to enjoy her family life, in spite of her illness later in life. At 75, you could find “Goo” riding the Nitro roller coaster @ Great Adventures with her grandchildren. Over her life, Inez made many close friends who supported each other and enriched her life. One special group of friends emanated from the Pinn family. For many years, she spent many Sunday afternoons hanging out and dining with the “girls” …..they were her best friends. Inez leaves to mourn her loss and cherish her memory: Brother, Joseph Johnson Jr. (Patricia); Daughters, Gloria Jean Harris Pickney and her four children, Pamela Williams (Walter), Joy Marshall and Robin Harris Gordon, Grandchildren , Robert Harris, Ricardo Marshall (Denise), Andre Williams, Khaliah Gordon, Akil Gordon (Glenda), Kamietra Williams; Great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Gordon, Isaiah Gordon, Elisheva Gordon, Ricardo Marshall Jr (RJ), Kai Tantoco, Josiah Gordon, Avi Davis and a host of nephews and nieces, cousins, extended relatives and friends.