Elizabeth Ruth Harris

November 15, 1935 - August 12, 2014

On August 12, 2014, Sister Elizabeth Ruth Harris answered the Master's call and departed this life at Christus St. Patrick Hospital, Lake Charles, LA.   She was born November 15, 1935, in Natchitoches, LA, to Alfred and Pearl Seymore (Turner).  At an early age, the family relocated to DeRidder, LA and Elizabeth was enrolled in the Beauregard Parish Training School and excelled in her studies, graduating from George Washington Carver High School in 1954.  She continued her education at Grambling State University, graduating with a degree in Business Education and English.  Later, she pursued and obtained a Masters Degree +30 at McNeese State University.  Her employment history in the Beauregard Parish School System spanned 55 years in numerous capacities which included Junior High English teacher, Title II Media Specialist, Secretary to the Superintendent of Schools, and High School English/Business Education Teacher.  Elizabeth was affiliated with a host of organizations.  Baptized at an early age at Starlight Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. K.E. Robinson, her spiritual growth was nurtured by her participation in Red Circle, Youth Choir, Sunday School, and Baptist Training Union.  As an adult, she served as Assistant Youth Director, Church Secretary/Clerk, and participated in Adult Sunday School Class #12.  In the community, she was always encouraging, lending a helping hand, and reaching out to those in need.

Elizabeth leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Joseph H. Harris, Sr.; six sons, Donald Harris, Bernard (Rita), Kenneth (Denise) Harris, Joseph (Rhonda) Harris, Jr., Michael (Theresa) Harris, and Jason Harris; four daughters, Verdell Harris (Harold) Silas, Clara (Preston, Jr.) Williams, Robin (Philip) Forde, and Clarice (T.J. Sr.) Martin; sisters, Martha (Thomas) Archinard, Dorenda Turner, Deborah (Nathaniel) Guillory, Brenda Joyce Baker; brother, Floyd (Betty) Seymore; 21 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; 3 godchildren, Alisa Yancy, Gerald Bickham, and Artis Carhee; a sister/friend, Jerrye Yancy and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 16, 2014 from 10:00am to time of the service, 12:00 noon at Starlight Missionary Baptist Church, 200 Martin Luther King Drive, DeRidder, with Rev. Daniel Stafford, officiating.  Interment will be at Beauregard Cemetery.