Sunrise: June 24, 1914 - Sunset: January 23, 2018

Wednesday, January 31, 2018 - 6:00 pm - 8 pm

New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church102 West 144th Street

New York, New York 10030Rev. Jerome Washington, Pastor

Estella Mary Harris was born June 24, 1914 in Athens, Georgia, daughter of the late JackVan and Cordella Johnson. She departed from this life on January 23, 2018. She waspreceded in death by her husband, William; son, Willie; granddaughter, Vivian JuanitaDavis; and six siblings, Mamie, Thelma, Lillian, Howard, Catherine, and Willie.

Estella grew up in Athens, Georgia. She was baptized at a young age at Billups GroveBaptist Church. Estella graduated from Athens High and Industrial School in 1933.Estella and William Harris were married in Athens on June 30, 1935. She migrated withher husband and three children to New York City.

Estella joined New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church with her three children in 1947. Estellawas always willing to serve when called upon. She was an active member at New Mt.Calvary for over seventy years where she worked in many auxiliaries, including servingas Financial Secretary, Church Clerk for many years, daytime prayer board member,missionary worker, Deaconess, prayer warrior, President of Deaconess Board, andPresident of the Faithful Few Club. She was appointed Senior Mother of the Church. Hertestimony was “I love the Lord and I love everybody and children keep praying and don’tstop praying.”

Estella was deeply committed and active in service to the community. Some examples ofher service include: elections inspector for New York City Board of Elections (1960 to2008); long-term active member of the Democratic Club of Harlem; volunteer work at theSydenham Neighborhood Family Center. Although Estella never sought praise for herdedication to Church and community, others nevertheless recognized her work innumerous awards, citations, and certificates of appreciation:

1980 - New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Plaque of Appreciation of Distinguished Servicesrendered in the interest of the church.

1990 - The Sydenham NFCC, Auxiliary Inch Certificate for 15 years of dedicated service.

1991 - Renaissance Health Care Network, Certificate of Appreciation in Recognition ofOutstanding Voluntary Service to Renaissance Health Care Network.

1992 - Ruth W. Messinger, Borough President, Recognition for Commitment andDedication in attempting alleviate some of your neighbors' burdens.

1992 - Volunteers of New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Appreciation Merit Award for 42years of Christian Service.

1992 - Charles B. Rangel, member of Congress of the United States, Congratulations onbeing recipient of New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church’s 1992 Volunteer Appreciation Award.

1993 - Renaissance Health Care Network. Certificate of Award for Dedication of Time,

Compassion, and Human Kindness.

1992 - Virginia Fields, City Council Member, Manhattan Certificate for an OutstandingCitizen.

1996 - Luis R. Marcos, MD, New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, Certificateof Appreciation in Recognition of Fine Effort and Dedication to Promoting the Comfort andWell Being of Patients, and for Exemplary Service and Outstanding Leadership.

1997 - New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Award for Worker of the Year

2007 - Renaissance Auxiliary, Lifetime Achievement Award for many years ofdistinguished volunteer service to the community of Harlem.

2007 - Harlem Hospital Center Auxiliary, Inc., Award of Appreciation in Recognition ofyears of service to Harlem Hospital Center in supporting patient care.

2007 - New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, President Certificate of Dedication as one of theMothers of the Church for her love, dedication, hard work and efforts.

2009 - The Frederick E. Samuel Community Democratic Club, Certificate of Appreciationin Recognition of Dedicated Service and Outstanding Contributions to the "Club’s"initiatives.

2010 - The Missionary Board of New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Certificate of Appreciatefor Many Years of Dedicated Service.

2014 - Public Advocate for the City of New York, Citation in recognition of her 100thBirthday and many years of service and dedication.

2014 - For her 100th Birthday, she received congratulatory letters from President Barak andFirst Lady Michelle Obama, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, United States Senator ChuckSchumer, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Gale Brewer, Borough President – Manhattan, RenRenaissance Health Care Network, Auxiliary, Inc. and many other organizations.

She leaves to cherish loving memories: her devoted, loving, and caring daughter, Ardella“Della” Harris and son, Dr. Hugh “Fonso” Harris (Marilyn); sister, Lamar Green;grandchildren, William Harris, Augustine Cofield (Phillip), Diane Rupprecht (Todd),Michele Harris-Brooks (James), Hugh Harris Jr. (Asekesai), and Janelle Bell Fuller;.great-grandchildren, Quentin, Lillian, Anthony, Andre, Vincent, Crystal, Mario Jr.,Terrance, Jasmine, Brittney, Phillip Jr., Gabrielle, Michael, Marlena, Ella, and Nora;great-great–grandchildren, Ali’yah, Amani, Elijah, Jocelyn, Maya, Emma, Aiden,Maxwell, Cole, Ayana, Luciana, and Makyla; sisters-in-law, Agnus Howell, AlbertaThompson, Hattie McKinney, and Eva McCollum; daughters-in-law, Vivian Harris andEdna Jean Harris; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, close friends and neighborstoo numerous to name. Special thanks and gratitude to her goddaughter, Rev. Bernice A.Pugh; her pastor, Rev. Jerome Washington; her caretakers, Cynthia and Narinee, andlong-time friend, Mother Emma Adams.

We just can’t know what lies ahead,From day to passing day

What changes God is planningIn his wise and loving way

We just can’t know the reasonsWhy we must lose the ones we

need and love so speciallyWe just can’t know, but we can trust

And faith can help us findOur way to “tomorrow”

That will bring us peace of mind.

The family wishes to express their deep heartfeltappreciation for all the prayers, flowers, cards, and phone

calls during their time of bereavement.

427 Ralph AvenueBrooklyn, NY 11223

212/283-5181 cell: 917/532-0668patricia.a.morrisfuneralchapel@gmail.com

Isaiah 40:1 ... Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

Professional Service Entrusted To:

ww

w.h

on

ory

ou

.co

m