Patricia Anne Harris

Patricia Anne Harris

June 8, 1953- October 24, 2024

Patricia Anne Harris was born in Hayti, Missouri on June 8, 1953, to James Williamson and Allean Artis Harris. She graduated from North High School in Hayti, Missouri in 1972. In 1974, Patricia moved to Omaha, Nebraska with her young son Curtis and there she furthered her educational pursuits. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1992 and her Master of Arts in Historical Studies degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 2014.

As quoted by Brad Henry, “A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning” and Patricia Harris did that and more for every student she encountered. Ms. Harris was employed with Omaha Public Schools where she retired after over 30 plus years of dedicated service. During her scholastic tenure, she was honored in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 2005 and 2006. Ms. Harris also received the Embrace Teachers Outstanding Award in 2005, at a special ceremony held at the S.A.C Museum honoring extraordinary teachers from each of the 48 adopted Omaha Public Schools. Ms. Harris also was a Mentor for First Year Teachers, in addition to being an Instructional Leadership Team Member. Education was the heart of Ms. Harris, and she held various positions and received many special awards during her educational career. Patricia would share whatever she had with anyone in need. She opened her home to many, including international exchange students, and oftentimes she brought food to feed children at school just so they wouldn’t go without.

Patricia was a lifelong learner, and this served her well on her salvation journey. On September 15, 1974, Patricia Harris was baptized in Jesus Name, and she received the precious gift of the Holy Ghost on June 8, 1975, under the ministry of the late Bishop Dr. Nelson G. Turner. Sister Harris had a great love for her church family, her late pastor, and his wife. Many don’t know that she was a personal caregiver for the late Dr. Mother Hattie Pearl Turner for many years. Sister Harris was a faithful and committed servant of God. Her dedicated service continued under her current pastor, Bishop Calvin J. Gould, Sr. Over the years she would participate and assist in almost every facet within the body of Christ without murmur or complaints. So much so, that we could not possibly list all that she has done to move the Ministry forward and higher in God.

To highlight a few of her most notable contributions, Sister Harris, also affectionately known as Sister Pat, served with the Women’s Ministry, Ushers, and Young People. She was a Sunday School teacher, Feed My Lambs Instructor and the Chairlady of Mini Builders. As busy as Sister Pat was, that didn’t stop her from being Assistant Director of the Altar Workers, Assistant Choir Director, Choir member, Kitchen Crew facilitator and Lead Cook. To know Sister Pat, was to know her true passions were cooking, teaching, and singing. As a teacher she skillfully taught generations of children within GBT Ministries as well as within the academic arena. Many young people were taken under her wings where she mentored and taught them necessary life skills while helping them to establish a relationship with God at a young age. She maintained these relationships even into their adulthood.

Sister Pat’s very life was an inspiration. Her spirit of compassion and generosity encouraged so many. It was evident that she loved God, and she loved people. You could even hear it when she ministered in song about the goodness of the Lord and how he changed her life. She truly wanted God to order her steps, and she wouldn’t allow life’s circumstances to interfere with the calling He had on her life. While battling with illness, Sister Pat remained faithful to church and witnessed about Jesus everywhere she went. Oh, the Precious Memories of Sister Pat, and how they linger. She made it known that she truly appreciated the many caregivers that served her so well that she remained comfortably in her home for quite some time. Sister Harris’s personal message to the saints, “Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, love, food, laughter, forgiveness, times we shared, and so much more. You are my family and please know I miss the saints.”

She was preceded in death by her mother, Allean Artis Harris, father, James Williamson and brother, James Harris Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Curtis; siblings, Maurice (Lelia) Harris (San Diego, CA), Marsha (Jerry) Powell (Kansas City, MO), Glenda Harris-Hamilton (Hayti, MO), Leah (Joe) Peoples-Williams (Hayti, MO), Jeffrey (Shondra) Harris (Hayti, MO), Anita (Gene) McIntyre (Foley, MO), Terrence Harris (O’Fallon, MO), Amos (Diane) Harris (St. Charles, MO) ; goddaughters Natalie Harrold, Mariah Gould, Monica Dial; special friends Bishop and Lady Gould; and a host of other relatives, family, and friends including the Saints of Greater Beth-el Temple Ministries.

WAKE SERVICE AND VISITATION: Friday, November 1, 2024, 6:00-8:00PM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, November 2, 2024, 10:00 AM at Greater Beth-El Temple Ministries, 1502 N. 52nd Street, Omaha.

INTERMENT: Evergreen Cemetery

In lieu of flowers and gifts to the family, Sister Patricia Harris has requested donations to be given to Greater Beth-el Temple.