Edward Charles Harris Sr.

“Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle and Friend” Edward C. Harris, Sr. was born in Chicago, Illinois to Nelson and Mamie Harris. He was the eighth child of sixteen children born to this union. Edward attended Douglas Elementary School and Wendell Phillips Vocational High School. He left school and enlisted in the United States Army. He worked for the Abe Aston resorts for several years in South Haven, Michigan. Edward was introduced to his wife of 58 years, Sylvia, by his sister, Parmella at a dance. The two were married on December 5, 1954. From this union they had six children, Anita, Edward Jr., Abe, Dolores, Julie and Sabrina. After moving to Chicago, Edward worked for Lower North Center and Cabrini Green Housing Authority where he retired from after 35 years. Edward was very outgoing, his favorite things in life were his family, fishing and dancing. He never met anyone that he didn’t consider a “friend”. He served as a Boy Scout Leader and Drum and Bugle Core Coordinator at Seward Park where they participated for many years in the ”Bud Billiken” parades. Ed was also a mentor for the children in the Cabrini Green Community, keeping them off the streets by planning skating parties at St. Joseph. He assisted in setting up baseball and basketball teams within the community through the Seward Park District. Ed also planned camping trips for the kids that had never been out of the Cabrini Green community. When his wife and several of his children became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Edward supported them in their ministry, three who are Pioneers serving in Chicago and the south suburbs. He considered his wife’s friends, his friends and treated their children as his children. Ed will be truly missed by all of his family, extended family and friends. On December 4, 2012 Edward fell asleep in death. He was preceded in death by fourteen brothers and sisters. Edward leaves to cherish his loving memories, his wife, Sylvia; six children, Anita, Edward Jr. (Saundra), Abe (Deidra), Dolores, Julie Keys (Steve) and Sabrina McGowan (Tim); one sister, Parmella; one sister-in-law, Eunice; eight grandkids, three great grandkids; and a large host of nieces, nephews and close friends that he loved dearly.

Tributes

Edward Charles Harris Sr.

June 18, 1928 - December 4, 2012