Alma Harris

Passed 04/25/2020

Obituary For Alma Harris

Alma Turner Harris was born on Oct 11, 1927 in Ellaville, Ga to Katie and Jimmie Lee Turner. Several of her siblings preceded her in death including sisters Jeannette, Ida Bell, Lucy Kate and brothers Albert, Bill, Jimmie, David, Tommie and Steven. Her husband Elijah also preceded her in death. Alma loved her brothers and sisters but shared a special inseparable relationship with Lucy Kate.

Alma received her formal education in Schley County and attended Ellaville High School. She played on the basketball team as a guard and graduated in 1947. Alma was a good student and after graduating she taught elementary school including her younger brother, Paul. She moved to Atlanta with her sister Jeannette in 1948 to attend Morris Brown college. There she met her future husband, Elijah, while working at Crawford Long hospital here in Atlanta.

After marrying and Elijah’s return from the Korean War, Alma moved with Elijah and their first born, Beverly, to Chicago where she would live over the next 20 plus years. She went on to give birth to sons Gregory Emerson and Clifton Elijah. She enjoyed a loving relationship with her sister in-law, Marie Stewart of Chicago, and created a special sisterly bond that lasted their lifetimes.

After living many cold winters in Chicago and playing the song, “Rainy Night in Georgia” more times than can be remembered, the urge to move back to Georgia couldn’t be ignored. Alma, Elijah and kids relocated back to Atlanta in 1971, settled into southwest Atlanta and she became a long-time member of Ben Hill United Methodist Church. She was active in church until her advanced age prevented her from doing so.

Alma worked primarily in positions at Standard Oil in Chicago and the Internal Revenue Service here in Atlanta. Her most rewarding and enjoyable job was as a homemaker, taking care of her family and sharing the love in her heart. She had a deep love for her immediate family, her siblings and their families and Elijah’s family also, where she was truly considered a key part of the Harris family. Her love of family manifested outwardly by helping bring them together. She was a driving force in organizing family gatherings and reunions for both hers and Elijah’s family

Later in life, Alma chose to become an adventurer and along with any family member she could convince to join her and alone with her travel club, traveled the country and world. She loved the excitement of preparing for, traveling to by bus, plane or boat and witnessing the many sites upon arrival. At one point, it seemed she would start planning her next trip as soon as she returned from the last. She has visited most of the tourist attractions in the 50 states including Alaska and many foreign countries including the UK and South Africa. Not bad for a little girl from Ellaville.

Alma was also known for her hobby of making ceramic pottery and her mouth-watering pound cakes, but ultimately what people remember about her is how loved she made them feel. She has been known to say "She never believed she had an enemy". We’ll miss her but know that her love for us was pure and that the example she provided will continue to guide us throughout our life time.

Alma transitioned on April 25, 2020. She is survived by brother Paul, her children Beverly (Al), Gregory (Roetta), and Clifton. Her grandchildren, Shivonne, Challyn, Gregory Jr, Quintin, Alexis, Cameron and her great grandchild Brendon. Also a host of loving nieces, nephews and friends.

A true Christian life well lived and a legacy that endures for all who knew her. Well done and Godspeed, Alma.

Please Note: The Family will be meeting at Meadows Mortuary and following the hearse in a processional to Lincoln Cemetery departing at 1:00 pm. Family and friends are welcome to participate in the processional. Due to governmental limitations we have to limit the number of mourners at the service. All are welcome to be present in the cemetery either in or around your cars. Please wear masks and plan on practicing social distance. We appreciate your understanding.

Graveside service will be held Saturday, May 2, 2020, 2:00 pm. Lincoln Cemetery 2275 Joseph E. Boone Blvd. NW, Atlanta, Ga 30314

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