Obituary of Elaine Harris

Elaine Harris, 103, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away on February 11, 2019 in a local hospital.

Elaine’s life will be celebrated in the sanctuary of Travis Avenue Baptist Church on Saturday, February 16. Visitation with family and friends will begin at 1:00PM. The 2:00 p.m. service will be officiated by Dr. Michael Dean, pastor of Travis Avenue. A private family graveside service will be held prior to the service.  

Elaine was born in Carlton, Texas to F.T. and Flora Bryan on February 7, 1916. Her father worked in different bakeries and eventually owned his own bakery which brought him to Fort Worth when Elaine was in the 8^th grade. She graduated from Central High School in Fort Worth, where she met her future husband in the 9^th grade. J.M. (Jim) Harris, Jr. and Elaine were married on November 27, 1935 beginning their life together for the next 67 years until Jim’s death in 2003. Elaine’s most cherished roles were wife, mother and homemaker who, along with her husband Jim would raise four boys. She learned to cook from her mother and acquired baking skills from her daddy. Family and friends benefitted from her love of serving others through her love of cooking. She knew favorite foods of each family member and honored each one with those meal choices. She spoke lovingly of that person as she prepared their special dish. She served food items that her husband liked and we never knew until long after his death that she didn’t even like certain foods that she frequently served to please him!

Family and faithfulness to her Lord Jesus Christ were the driving forces in her life. She worked diligently with her husband as they were actively involved members of every church they attended even as they moved from Fort Worth, to Houston twice, Kansas City and back home to Fort Worth. Elaine Harris was that “Proverbs 31 woman” v28: “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” She was the family “prayer warrior” for which we will forever be blessed. She quoted 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 every morning. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 

Elaine is survived by her sons and their wives: Bryan and Joan Harris of Reddick, Florida, Weldon and Beth Harris of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Jim and Kathleen Harris of Keller, Texas and John and Janet Harris of North Richland Hills, Texas. She went by many names in addition to Elaine: Mother, Mom, Grandmother, Great- Grandmother and Great-Great Grandmother. She was dearly loved by each one and had the ability to make each feel that they were her favorite!  There are 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren. We miss her already.

Elaine lived for 4 ½ years at Mustang Creek Estates assisted living facility in Keller. As she adjusted to her new home after breaking her hip, our family became family to all who worked so hard to assist her. We are truly grateful for the love and support that each one of us received. They even came to the hospital the day before her 103^rd birthday to ask her favorite cake flavor. They returned the next day with cake, balloons and flowers. You could just see the love flowing from them to her and back, all through tears. It was heartwarming to watch. Our family knows and feels their love.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the doctors, nurses, therapists and aides at Baylor Scott and White Hospital of Grapevine who attended to Elaine in her final days. We were there for almost two weeks. The medical care team was thorough, always patiently taking much time to explain medical terms and procedures.  We were treated very lovingly and respectfully. This hospital reads scripture verses over the intercom each morning and again each night.  God’s loving touch was evident in each and every person and situation there. As Elaine grew weaker and weaker, the care continued to increase. Vitas Hospice allowed her body to rest painlessly and pleasantly. Their care was administered within the hospital which was an amazing blessing.  Mom wanted to go “home” which was heaven and she received her heavenly wings on February 11^th at 11:34PM. The beauty is that we will all see her again in heaven one of these days.  She is singing and shouting the victory!  Victory in Jesus!

Memorial donations may be made to PraiSingers or Mercy Clinic, ministries of Travis Avenue Baptist Church, 800 W. Berry Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76110.