Ollie Bell Harris

September 23, 1932 - January 11, 2018

Ollie Bell Harris was born on September 23, 1932 to the parents of Floyd and Louise Redmond in Itta Bena, Mississippi. She relocated with her parents to Chicago at an early age, and continued her education in the Chicago Public Schools. In 1951, she married her husband of 42 years, Autria Lee Harris. Ollie dedicated her life to Jehovah and was baptized on December 9, 1961. When her health permitted, her greatest joy came from attending her Christian meetings and participating in the preaching work. She also found enjoyment in working around her house and taking care of her large family. Her hobbies included fishing, gardening, and cooking, and she loved listening to her "dusties". She was known for her pound cakes and for being the Candy Lady throughout her neighborhood. After battling a long illness, Ollie fell asleep in death on January 11, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Louise Redmond; one brother, James Redmond; her husband, Autria Lee Harris; one daughter, Betty Jean Jacobs; and one step daughter, Betty Joe. She leaves to cherish her memory, eight children: Velma Hayes, Elaine Harris, Lorraine Vaulx (Nathaniel), Anthony Harris, Tyrone Harris (Catherine), Melvin Harris, Yvonne Harris, Carolyn Harris-Blakely (Gary); one step-daughter, Gloria Mhoon (Herschel), and one step-son, Autria Harris (Diane); thirteen grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Ollie looked forward to the promise at Revelation 21:3, 4, which states: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." Ollie will truly be missed by all who knew her.