Joyce Harris

Joyce Emilien Harris was born on December 20, 1943 in New Orleans, Louisiana to her parents, Elizabeth and Alphonse Emilien. She was one of three born to this union and was raised with her siblings, Gail and Cynthia. She was educated through New Orleans Public Schools. She attended and later graduated from George W. Carver High School in 1960.

She met and married a gentlemen named William Harris, they were blessed with the birth of William, Eldon, Orin, Ethan and Terrell. They enjoyed 18 years of marriage together until William’s passing.

Joyce made a living as a seamstress; she took pride in giving her all and did so with a spirit of excellence. During her career, she worked for Rutter Rex, while also raising her 5 children. She was a woman of integrity and commitment. She ensured to work hard to provide opportunities for her family that she did not have for herself.

A woman of faith, Joyce gave her life to Christ at an early age. She instilled the importance of having a relationship with our Lord and Savior in her children and enjoyed sharing her testimony. She served at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church for more than 78 years.

To know Joyce was to know how honest she was. She would do anything for you, but never shy’ d away from telling the truth. She was all about personal growth and knew that by being honest, others would be able to grow. In her free time, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She went on many adventures with her friends, Claudia Picquet and Betty West. More importantly, her grandchildren, Alexis Brown, Orin Harris Jr., Kierstin Harris, William S. Harris IV, Terrell Harris, Ethan and Emani Harris were an additional source of pride and joy.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth and Alphonse Emilien.

Joyce passed away into the embrace of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 13, 2022. Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, William (Cheryl) Harris, Eldon Harris, Orin Harris, Ethan Harris and Terrell (Tyranecal) Harris.