Blanche Harris

Early Christmas morning, Monday, December 25, 2017, our Lord and Savior called Blanche Harris home to rest. Blanche departed this life peacefully in the comforts of her home. Blanche “Odessa” Harris was born on January 13, 1928, to the late Priscilla Satchel Thornton and the late Lawrence Stackhouse, Sr. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, she was the second eldest of six children. Blanche received her formal education in the Baltimore City Public School System. In 1945 she married James E. Harris, Sr. From this union seven children were born: Edythe, Imogene, Letitia, Margie, Lynne, Terri and James, Jr. Although the union ended in divorce, she was determined to ensure her family had what was needed to be self-sufficient. Blanche took great pride in everything she did. She would often say to her children and grandchildren, “Whatever you’re going to do in life, be the BEST at it”. She was very proud of all of her children, and reared them by setting the example of hard work, with dignity and grace. She was wise beyond her years. Blanche realized the importance of home ownership and stepped out on faith to purchase a home for her family. This was no easy task for a black, female divorcee with seven children in the sixties. Little did she know, the home would provide so many good times and fond memories for all. The home affectionately known as “The Big House” remains the center of family gatherings even today. One of the fondest memories of Blanche is her love for the color red. Her love of red was obvious in “The Big House” as many of the rooms were red many years ago. Not to mention, you could never go wrong giving her a gift of something red because it was her FAVORITE color. Additionally, her home served as a shelter for those needing a helping hand, a place to stay, and many good times. Blanche loved to travel and enjoyed socializing with the many friends she made during her many years working at Baltimore City Community College and the time she spent at the Forest Park Senior Center. Often she expressed her gratitude towards God for giving her the opportunity to travel once her children were grown and for guiding her path along the way. Mother Harris held a variety of jobs, often times she had at least two jobs to provide for her family and for her plans upon retirement. After years of employment with the City of Baltimore, she was fortunate enough to retire in 1989-in good health. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Inger in 1988; daughters, Edythe in 2001, Imogene in 2015, and Marguritta in 2017. Mother Harris leaves to celebrate her life: four beloved children, Letitia Green (Nicholas, Sr.), Lyllyn Jones, Terri Goode (Marvin) and James, Jr.; eleven grandchildren, Darnelle, Terra, Ayanna, Nicky, Chuki, Nicholas, Jr., Delavon, Lynelle, Tiffany, Kevin, and Assata; two brothers, Reginald William Thornton, Jr. and Lawrence Stackhouse, Jr.; ten great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. Blanche was a blessing to many over her 89 years of life.

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Blanche Harris

January 13, 1928 - December 25, 2017