Passed away November 11, 2024. Public Viewing Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 12:00 Noon – 7:00 pm. Wake & Funeral Friday, November 22, 2024 – 10:00 & 10:30 am at Progressive Evangelist Missionary Baptist Church 2366 E. 63rd Street Cleveland, OH 44104. Interment following service at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery 26200 Aurora Road Bedford Heights, OH 44146.
Obituary
Betty Jan Harris, Affectionately called “Queen” by loved ones, began her life journey on January 11, 1934 in Lenoir, North Carolina to proud parents, Matilda Jones and Len Dixon (both deceased). She departed this life on November 11, 2024 at age 90 in the Intensive Care Unit at Cleveland Clinic Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
As a young girl, Betty had aspirations of becoming a actress, a ballet dancer or singing with the opera. God, however, had other plans for her life. Betty moved to Cleveland at age 10 to live with her aunt, Anne Lark and continued her education in the Cleveland Public School System, graduating from John Hay High School. During her junior and senior year Betty marched to the beat of the band as a majorette. In her spare time she could frequently be found at the roller skating rink where she loved to skate. She also enjoyed playing tennis, swimming and kicking up her heels on the dance floor.
As a young woman Betty met the true love of her life, Delmor Gene Harris. He caught her eye and captured her heart. It was truly love at first sight. Del and Betty were married for over 50 years and inseparable until Delmor’s unexpected death in 2005. Their loving union resulted in the birth of five children; Vanessa, Julian, Delmor Jr., Katrina and Narkeytah.
In addition to being a devoted wife Betty was a loving, doting mother and raised her children in a Christian home setting teaching them to pray, to be respectful and to care about others. Having a interest in real estate, Betty took classes which resulted in her passing the state real estate exam and becoming a successful real estate salesperson with Trust Realty.
Pursuing an interest in politics, Betty served as Precinct Committeewoman for several years, worked on several political campaigns whole also holding office as President of the PTU at Holy Family Catholic School. She also served as a couple terms as President of the Southview Avenue Street Club. Betty also worked serval years for Davis Bakery. With a genuine love for people, this gave her an opportunity to meet diverse patrons and talk with them while assisting with their selection of baked goods. This was the last job she worked prior to retiring.
When she could find time for relaxation, Betty, along with two dear friends would vacation in Hawaii and the Bahamas. She enjoyed traveling. It didn’t matter if the mode of transportation was by car boat, train or plane.
Above all else, Betty was an inspiration to her family. She possessed a solid, unwavering love for God who she proudly professed as the head of her life. She was a devout Christian and could frequently be heard humming and singing praises to the Almighty. Her children are grateful to have been blessed with such a loving, selfless, compassionate, giving and amazing mother.
We will be together one day mom -God willing, as mom would always say.
In addition to her parents and Ann Lark, Betty is preceded in death by her loving husband, Delmor Sr., her oldest son, Julian, siblings; Samuel Witherspoon, Harold Witherspoon, Leonard Witherspoon, Loretta Corpening, Dorothy Woods and Jacqueline Witherspoon.
Left to mourn are five children: Vanessa Hill (Timothy), Katrina Durham (Richard), Delmor and Narkeytah Harris (all Cleveland, OH), grandchildren, and great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends.