Bessie Harris

Bessie Harris, 92, of Town Creek died August 4, 2022. The funeral service will be held in the Jackson Memory Funeral Home Chapel, Friday, August 12, 2022 at 12:00. Burial will follow in Wash Chilla Cemetery in Town Creek. Public viewing will be Thursday from 10-6 at Jackson Memory.

                                       Obituary

Bessie Bea was born on June 4, 1930. She was the first born daughter of the late Catherine Davenport Austin and Rilous Austin. She grew up and attended school in Lawrence County, Alabama with her two sisters Dorothy Austin Carter and Pearl Marie Austin Ricks-Allen both of whom preceded her in death. At a very early age, she confessed her love for the Lord at Little Sam Missionary Baptist Church (currently known as Mt. Zion Baptist Church).

On December 9, 1946 she united in matrimony with Rufus Harris, Sr. They shared over 50 years together before his untimely death in February 2001. Early on in her marriage, she moved her membership to Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church at the insistence of her late mother-in-law Sallie Mae Harris. She was a faithful and highly regarded member until her death despite not being able to attend for the past few years.

Bessie Bea was well known for her joyous laughter and beautiful smile. One of the many ways she expressed her love for all was through her cooking—her chicken & dressing and sweet potato pies were a few of the favorites requested by family and friends. She could often be heard praying and singing hymns about the goodness of the Lord. She encouraged all who she knew—especially members of her family—to maintain a spiritual relationship with God. Bessie Bea was an active member of the Little Star Order of Eastern Star Chapter #378 and was involved in several ministries at Macedonia including the Missionary Society, Mother’s Ministry, and Hospitality Committee. She was an avid attendee, supporter and fundraiser of her church until the decline in her health made it difficult for her to attend worship and other events—but she made sure to still send her tithes in on a monthly basis. On August 4, 2022 God sent his heavenly angel home. She peacefully accepted His invitation and was greeted by family and friends.

Those left to cherish her memory and who will continue to celebrate a life well-lived are two loving children: Rufus Harris, Jr., (Rosetta) of Muscle Shoals, AL and Carolyn Reynolds of Hillsboro, AL; sister-in-law Mrs. Bertha Langham; daughter-in-law Mrs. Lerrie Nell Harris; 9 grandchildren: Trissa, Corey, Erica, Kimberly, LaShanda, Derek, Jennifer, Kelvin and Reginald; a number of great-grandchildren; 1 greatgreat grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends as well as her Macedonia Church family. In addition to her husband Rufus she was preceded in death by her parents Rilous and Catherine Austin; sisters Pearl Marie and Dorothy Mae; sons Larry and James; and grandsons Cardell and Reginald. The family would also like to extend a sincere Thank You to the following members who were always available to lend a helping hand as needed: Cedric Harris; Leroy, Linda Vean, and Samantha Puryear; Journee and Jordan Beck; Ann Mitchell; Curtis King; and Carnell Stewart Harris.

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