~Life Reflections~ Minister Nancy Nola Thompson Harris

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Minister Nancy Nola Thompson Harris was born to the late Mr. Francis “Tom” Thompson and Mrs. Mattie L. Stowers-Thompson in Forest, MS. She departed this life on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at her home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with her loving and devoted husband at her bedside.

Nancy grew up in the Midway community of Forest and graduated from the Midway Vocational School in 1961. She accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of the Midway Freewill Baptist Church.

Having moved to Lakeview, Long Island, New York, she met Earl Leroy Harris and after his persistent and determined pursuit, the couple became an inseparable two-some. They were united in holy matrimony on September 17, 1965 in Alexandria, Virginia and later moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania while he attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. During these years, their son, Martin was born. Following Earl’s graduation, this young mother attended the University of Pittsburgh, often accompanied by little Martin and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Urban Planning.

The family moved to Harrisburg in 1977 and Mrs. Harris took a career position with the City of Harrisburg in the Urban Planning Department. However, at the request of Mr. Harris, she left that position to support him as he established his law practice in the City. Her spiritual discernment and their faith walk led this dynamic team as they accomplished innumerable goals in business and in life.

Mr. and Mrs. Harris united with St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in 1977 where she served faithfully through the years. She walked hand-in-hand with her husband, praying with him and seeking Spiritual guidance on his behalf as he worked in the Children’s Church and after his ordination, while he led St. Paul as Pastor from 1994 to 2018. During this season, Sister Nancy also answered God’s call to proclaim the Gospel as a Minister and was ordained in 2010. The church was inspired and enriched by her service as Women’s Ministry president and especially, her gifted teachings on the interpretation of dreams and visions.

Mrs. Harris had a keen business sense and was Founder and operator of the very popular Limited Editions Gift Shoppe, a for-profit establishment located in downtown Harrisburg with the klargest collection of unique African American fine art items of figurines, statuettes, dolls, prints, paintings and crystal in Central Pennsylvania. While she operated her own business venture, she also assisted in managing the Law Practice and was the Vice President of MDH Management Company, a for-profit real estate management firm governing the 140-unit Park Tower Apartments in Philadelphia and the 81 townhouses of Orchard Apartments in the West Shore area of Cumberland County.

Minister Nancy N. Harris, a Proverbs 31 Woman of God, walked quietly, loved generously and worked wisely as a faithful wife, caring mother, trustworthy friend, astute businesswoman, discerning Minister, studious Christian education teacher, precise bookkeeper and solid business manager.

Everyone blessed to know her will cherish her warm and gentle smile: this especially includes her loving and devoted husband, Rev. Earl L. Harris; her son, Martin D. (Marielle) Harris; her grandson, Phoenix M. Harris and her great-granddaughter, Shadia R. Harris. all of Harrisburg, PA; her two sisters, Mrs. Nellie Griffin of Jackson, MS and Evangelist Maggie Thompson of Clinton, MS and a host of other relatives, friends and brothers/sisters in Christ. In addition to her parents, Minister Harris was preceded in transitioning by her sister, Hazel L. Thompson-Johnson and her brothers, David Thompson and Roosevelt Thompson.

Her life will be celebrated on Saturday, October 22nd at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1201 N. 17th Street, Harrisburg, with viewing and visitation 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Ministry of Comfort entrusted to the Major H. Winfield Funeral Home Corp. COVID-19 Guidelines will be observed with face masks for all attendees.