Obituary of Shirley Harris

Shirley Harris was born on Friday, January 9 th , 1948, in Sparta, GA and was called home on Saturday, October 14 th , 2023, on a peaceful, calm sunny afternoon with her children by her side in Jacksonville, FL. Shirley was born to John & Apria Harris and was the youngest of 11 children. She spent a majority of her early childhood in Georgia before moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1958 with her parents & brother. Moving to Philadelphia solidified Shirley as a life-long city girl and proved to be pivotal launching point for the rest of her life. She attended a High School in South Philadelphia where she realized her love for the arts & entertainment through her time as a Flag girl for the band. After high school, Shirley blossomed into adulthood learning more about her values, fashion style, and enjoying good food along the way. In 1994, Shirley relocated to Atlanta, Georgia with her sons. She built a wonderful life in Atlanta for over 20 years where she served in various healthcare settings as an administrative assistant. She continued to honor her style while providing humor and wit for every occasion. Her family also grew over the years as she became a grandmother and great-grandmother. She experienced many milestones as her children began to grow including graduations, birthdays, births, weddings, passings, holidays, and more. She cherished her family and was dedicated to their success and happiness. In 2018, Shirley made the decision to relocate again to Callahan, Florida with her son, Richard to be closer to her family and prioritize her health & well-being. In the past 74 years, Shirley has graced us with many memories, stories, and laughs along the way. We will remember and always look back fondly on her feisty personality and her keen sense of style. She was a passenger princess through and through but could always tell you how to get everywhere because of her sharp memory & intellect. She loved two things fiercely (in no particular order): good food & great fashion. She was always eating off someone’s plate. She loved Soul food the most, relishing in its warmth and homemade comfort, such as fried fish & sweet potato casserole. And we can not think of Shirley without thinking of the tall decaf black coffee she kept as a morning staple. Her style reflects the immense care, joy, attention, and passion she felt for the topic. You would never see Shirley without a sharp outfit & bold lip. Her fashion advice never failed. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, John & Apria Harris of Sparta, Georgia; her sisters, Edith, and Rebecca; and brothers, George, John Dee, Armstead, Willie, James, and Bernard. Her legacy lives on in her 2 daughters: Antoinette Armstrong of Atlanta, GA, Tracie Bates of Chattanooga, TN. 2 sons: Richard Harris of Callahan, FL and Desmond (Laura) Harris of Yulee, FL; 13 grandchildren, Steven, Nico, Darius, Xavier, Caitlin, Kiandra, Issac, Genova, Anthony, Joshua, Coral, Jonah, Camille]; 6 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters: Barbara Watson, Cinderella Skinner; and 1 brother: Jerry Harris; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Shirley’s impact will persevere for decades to come. You are missed dearly, and we will reflect on the time and love you have given us always.