Phyllis Mae Harris

Phyllis Harris A Story of Celebration 95 years Phyllis Mae Harris was a native St. Louisan who left this physical plane of life, as AVC know it, on October 29, 2022. She was born to Charles and Bessie Ballard on August 31, 1927.

The oldest female of several siblings, all preceded her in death: Edward and Eugene Ballard, Naomi Stephenson, Jeanette Saunders, along with Charles and Harold Latham.

Phyllis graduated from Vachon High School in 1943. She had a natural love of music as a member of the Toni Powell Post marching band. It was there she met her future husband, Benjamin Jackson Harris, also a member of the same band.

During her youth, Phyllis was raised in the Methodist religion. However, she chose to convert to Catholicism.

Phyllis and Benjamin Harris were joined in Holy Matrimony in December 1947 after his return from the Marines. They

remained together for 48 years until his death separated them in November 1995. Together they raised five children:

Benjamin, Dianna, Pamela, Carlotta, and Dominic. Carlotta preceded her siblings in death.

Having provided educational tools for her children with positive results, becoming a teacher became a passion that Phyllis turned into a career.

Phyllis received her degree from Harris-Stowe College in 1980, a day before her youngest child graduated from high school. She went on to teach at Sigel Elementary School for several years. During her time there she received various teacher awards from her principal at Sigel Elementary for her care and concern for children.

She retired in August 1995, yet her passion for teaching continued with her grandchildren. She continued to be passionate and enthusiastic about affecting the most positive changes in children, their education, and other people.

She was a member of the Most Holy Rosary Church parish where she also volunteered with the Catholic Youth Council (CYC). When Most Holy Rosary Church parish closed, most of those parishioners started attending St. Elizabeth Mother of John the Baptist Church (previously known as St. Engelbart). Our Mom Look on the challenge of chaperoning teenagers for various events for the CYC. Phyllis later joined the Legion of Mary and served faithfully as a lectern for the five o'clock Saturday mass.

Our Mom was a woman who believed in taking care of her immediate and extended family. Her extended family included the community she lived in, the children she taught, and the people she encountered on her journey through life.

She is survived by her children: Benjamin (Benita), Dianna (Kathryn), Pamela, Dominic (Cindy); four grandchildren: Malik, Najja, James, and Gabriel; two great-grandchildren: Kaylen and Mason: and one great-great grandchild, Kameron.

May God accept the soul, the spirit, and the good deeds of our mother. Let her spirit and good deeds influence her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and those she came in contact with during her 95 years of life with us.