Gina Lorna Harris

Obituary For Gina Lorna Harris

Gina Lorna Harris, our beloved family member and friend, made a peaceful transition to eternal rest on July 30, 2008 at the age of 41. Gina, born March 19, 1967, was the daughter of Elmo and Vernetta Harris enjoyed a wonderful childhood in Zebulon, NC with her older brother, Richard.

As a child, Gina knew the Lord early and was baptised at Zebulon First Baptist Church, where she was active in BTU, served as an usher, and sang on several choirs. She attended Wake County Public Schools and graduated from Zebulon High School in 1985.

After high school, Gina enrolled at North Carolina Central University. While there, she was a resident of the University's only "honors" dorm and was active with the NAACP and Student Union Program Board. In the fall of 1987, she was initiated into the Alpha Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In May 1989, Gina received a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with honors.

After graduation, Gina obtained her paralegal certification and worked with Carolina Power & Light in Raleigh for a brief time before moving to Atlanta. The most cherished time of her professinal career was the more than 15 years spent at Solvay Pharmaceuticals. After joining Solvay in 1992 as a Quality Assurance Specialist, Gina traveled extensively throughout the U.S. while progressing through numerous promotions in the Quality organization to become Manager of Prescription Drug Marketing Act Compliance in August 2000. Always striving to better herself, Gina received a Master's Degree in Business Administation in 1999 from Kennesaw State University while working full-time.

In her personal life Gina was committed to her community and believed in the importance of service. She was active with her church, Turner Chapel in Marietta, GA, along with numerous volunteer projects, including Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America and North Carolina Central University Alumni Association. She was a dedicated member of the Marietta-Roswell Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she served on the Arts & Letters, Membership, and Scholarship Committees. Gina lived a life worth living, truly valuing each day as a precious gift from God. She was an avid reader, global traveler, and a consummate shopper, who enjoyed purchasing the latest electronic gadget. Yet, it was her desire to learn new things - from golf to the political process - that inspired all those around her to appreciate her knowledge and the time the Lord gave us with her on this side of heaven.

Gina's loving spirit was most noticeable when she spoke about the loves of her life - her 2 nephews, Peter and Simeon, and her niece, Soleil. Nothing brought her more joy than sharing her love, wisdom, and time with them.

To cherish her memory, Gina leaves her father, Elmo Harris; mother, Vernetta Harrris; brother, Richard Harris; sister - in-law, Edith Harris; niece, Soleil Harris; 2 nephews, Peter and Simeon Harris, all of Zebulon, NC; and a host of other family members and friends.