Irine Harris

Irine Harris (Unsa, Madear, Momma, Girlfriend, Faye, Grandma, Homegirl, Aunt Rene, Rena, Big Sister and Miss Irine) peacefully departed this life at home in Knoxville, Tennessee on April 25, 2025, surrounded by the love of family.

God blessed her with a long life, and she used it to spread love and kindness to those she met. Her faith grew stronger as the years passed by. Even in the months and weeks preceding her homegoing, thankfulness and thanksgiving were her constant companions, and she often remarked, “Thank the Lord it is as well as it is.”

Irine was born to Archie Houston and Polly Jones Houston on December 4th, 1932, in Alabama. Archie and Polly had three children, Archie Jr., Irene and Mary. However, Polly passed away when Irene was only nine years old, and her death created a need for a mother’s influence and guidance. Irene’s dad Archie later married Nettie Mae and their union also brought forth children.

There are not enough superlatives to sufficiently describe the type of Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, friend and neighbor Irine was. She never met a stranger, and she consistently fed the hungry, provided for those in need, visited the sick and boldly shared her faith with anyone who would listen. She treated everyone with the love and respect that she felt was needed to reflect Christ’s love.

Irine was taught the Word of God by Mr. Dossie Harris, and she was baptized as a response to her belief in God. Her first love, Jesus motivated her to forgive those who hurt her, to pray for others, and to live out her Christian faith daily. Irine married Luther Harris, and their matrimony lasted 26 years before the Lord called Luther to his eternal home on March 1, 1980.

Irine’s heart was filled with love for her eight children: Jean, Pauline, Willie, Deborah, Larry, Laverne, Cauline and Patsy. Additionally, she found joy in her grandchildren Felicia, Sean, Ashleigh, Clay, Luke and Patrick. Each of her children and grandchildren was blessed because Irine was an excellent role model. The advice she gave came from the Scriptures. She is highly esteemed because from the time she accepted Christ, she lived her life in devotion to Him. Never claiming to be perfect, she knew the power of the blood of Christ and it’s cleansing power. She often asked her Savior to help her to continue to grow as a person and Christian, and she raised her children to know Christ.

Irine was preceded in death by her father and mother, her stepmother, her husband Luther, her daughter Pauline, her brother Archie, her sister Mary, her sons-in-law Larry and Leroy, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

Irine leaves to cherish her memories, her children, grandchildren, her sisters Katie Henderson, Jessie Mae King, and Edna Black, her brother, Willie Cherry, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Irine’s legacy will endure forever!

Rest in peace, dear mother! You are loved!

Now you can join the Apostle Paul in saying, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

In lieu of flowers, the family is encouraging donations to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org

She will be celebrated in a private service on May 2, 2025 at the Berry Highland South Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Unity Mortuary. www.unitymortuary1979.com

https://ahatribute.funraise.org/fundraiser/laverne-harris