Jacquelyn L. Harris, "Mama J."'s Obituary
Jacquelyn Laverne Carter Harris, daughter of the late James Paul Carter, Sr. and Mattie Beatrice Williams Johnson was born in Memphis, Tennessee on November 5, 1948. At a very early age, Jacquelyn “Jackie” went to live with her beloved Great Grandparents, the late Benjamin and Fontella Williams. Jackie was well known in her neighborhood due to her mischievous behavior. Customarily, a neighbor would ask, “Jackie, you got your daily spanking yet?” As always, she would respond, “Nope, but I am working on it.” There was no tree too tall to climb, there was no marble game that she did not manage, and there was no craps game that left her with empty pockets.Jackie accepted the invitation of Christian discipleship at an early age at Cummings Street Baptist. She was also known to worship at Pleasant Grove Baptist, New Jerusalem Baptist, Metropolitan Baptist Church and her final church home was Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church.Jackie was a proud graduate of Manassas High School (Class of 1968). There she was a member of the beautiful Personettes organization and those infamous legs of hers landed her on the majorette and cheerleading squad. There, at her cherished Manassas, she met three girls that would serve as lifelong friends and godmothers to her children: Sarah Faris, Jennie Mitchell, Deloris Townsend.In 1969, South Memphis met North Memphis. Mr. James Edward Harris, III, let it be known that he was campaigning for the title of husband and he was elected. On September 20, 1969, the two were united as one at Emmanuel Baptist Church. This union produced two children, Angela Marie and Michael James.As a single mother, Jackie was determined to teach her children that a quality education and a strong work ethic would be the key to a “good life’. With that mantra, Jackie returned to college earning her Associates Degree in Business Administration and she worked her way up to management in several organizations. For example, if you purchased a fur coat in the late ‘90s from Goldsmith’s, you probably purchased it from Jackie, affectionally known as the “Fur Lady”. After a stint as administrative assistant for various executives, her children decided to retire her because her wish had come true, God had granted her wish of a grandchild.It would be a sin and a shame not to mention her love of fashion. No matter where she was going, Jackie’s style was unmatched. Her closet is filled with clothes and shoes from all over the world. She shared her love of fashion with her children, friends and anyone that slipped her a compliment.Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, her former husband; sister, Bennie “BJ” Johnson; longtime companion James Brown; her parent in-laws Mr. James (Freddie Pearl) Harris, Jr.; and one a Great Uncle, Elder Edward Denton; a niece and three nephews; and her beloved fur babies Carmel and Yoki.Fond memories of Jackie will be cherished by her daughter, Angela Marie (Alfred), her son, Michael James (Rainey), her brothers, James Gordon (Jean), Jerome Parker (Bernadine) James Carter (Sara), Eddie Carter (Carol), Johnny Carter (Alice) and Willie Carter; her sisters Derie Johnson and Deborah Parker; sister-in-law Pearline Harris Washburn; brother-in-law Ralph Edward Harris; a Great Aunt, Juanita Denton, the grandbabies, Mr. Alston Duvall Haynes, Miss Michaela Marie Harris and Miss London Ariel Hamilton; her bonus children Dwight (Penny) Jackson.Jackie’s faith was strong. She shared with her children and others that God had prepared a place for her and she was ready to “let go”. The night of her transition, she mouthed to her children “I love you” and she peacefully took God’s hand.The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, July 14th from five o’clock in the afternoon until eight o’clock in the evening at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue in Memphis. The funeral will be on Monday, July 15th at ten o’clock in the morning, also at the funeral home. The committal service will immediately follow.In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests donations to be made in Mama J’s honor to the West Cancer Clinic.To view the Tribute Slideshow please click here:https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/CQ4HSGQZ5NJ8R7ZQ
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