Ms. Barbara Ann Harris

Mother Barbara Ann Harris was born on May 7, 1947, to Frank and Carrie Belt Banks. She was the seventh of their children and was raised with the values of faith, family, hard work, and service that would guide her throughout her life. Mother Harris graduated from Robert C. Hatch High School in Uniontown, Alabama, in 1965. She later demonstrated that learning has no age limit when, at the age of 57, she earned her Associate of Science in Business degree from Cardinal Stritch University in 2004. Her educational journey reflected her belief that it is never too late to pursue your goals. Mother Harris briefly served in the United States Army Reserve before taking a medical leave following a breast cancer diagnosis. She was cheerful, generous, and always willing to encourage others. Whether sharing her testimony, lending a helping hand, or speaking about the goodness of God, Mother Harris faithfully poured into the lives of those around her. For more than 45 years, Mother Harris was a faithful and devoted member of Tabernacle Community Baptist Church. Throughout her years of service, she dedicated herself to numerous ministries, including the Mother's Ministry and the Dorcas Ministry. She also faithfully served as the Sunday School secretary, participated in Church Women United and Vacation Bible School, and previously served on the Usher Board. Her unwavering love for God and His people was reflected in every ministry she embraced and every act of service she performed. Mother Harris embraced life with joy. She loved to sing loudly, even if singing wasn't her greatest talent, and her enthusiasm brought smiles to everyone around her. She enjoyed attending plays, traveling to new places, and spending treasured time with her family and church family. She found great joy in cooking, and her family will forever remember, and probably continue to "fight" over her famous tea. Mother Harris' love extended far beyond her own children and grandchildren. She lovingly invested in her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, ensuring they experienced new opportunities through church activities, piano lessons, parades, camping at Relay for Life, shopping trips, and family vacations. She believed in creating memories, opening doors for others, and giving generously of herself. She would do anything for the people she loved. She stood firmly on her convictions, faced every challenge with courage, and remained faithful until she heard her Savior say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Surrounded by the love of her family, Barbara peacefully entered eternal rest on June 18, 2026, at the age of 79. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Carrie Bell Banks; her brothers, Roy Banks and Frank Banks; her husband of 28 years before his death, James Harris; her daughter, Juwana Roberts; and her late ex-husband, George Paskel (1970-1978). She leaves to cherish the precious memories of her beloved sisters and brothers: Earlean (Cleophus) Jones, Louise (James) Griffin, Paul (Debra) Banks, Richard Banks, and Linda Bryant; her children, Cathy Barnett, Lisa (Tracy) Gibson, Dr. Melissa (Terrian) Reed, Jami (Austin) Hayes and daughter Deidra Williams; her cherished grandchildren, DeAndre Harris, Travis Carter, Lonnel Robert (Gina) Harris, LaShaune Hardin, James and Jia Roberts, Mizraim, Nasir, and Mila Gibson, Jenessa Hodge, Jamison Bonds, Kaliyah Brown, and Semaj and Zyhir Hayes; her great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, dear friends, and her beloved Tabernacle Community Baptist Church family. Mother Harris' life was a beautiful testimony of faith, perseverance, compassion, and unconditional love. Her legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched, the wisdom she shared, the family she nurtured, and the unwavering faith she demonstrated. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love her.

Ms. Barbara Ann Harris

May 7, 1947 - June 18, 2026