Roosevelt P. Harris Sr.

Roosevelt Patrick Harris, Sr., son the the late William and Bella Harris, was born in Baltimore, MD on March 17, 1930. He was the fifth child of 10 children. Growing up, he was a husky size, so his baby sister (Doris) nicknamed him Fatsy. Roosevelt was educated in Baltimore City Public schools and attended Dunbar High School. He did not complete high school because he had to work to help support the family. Roosevelt was drafted into the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal, on August 15 1951. Roosevelt married Lula Mae Fowlkes on December 29, 1949. From this union, they had five children, Lula passed on July 12, 1970. Growing up, Roosevelt held various jobs. He worked at St. Mary Seminary, Shoeman's Grocery Store, pin-setter at 20th Century Bowling Alley. He was employed at Bethlehem Steel (sparrow's Point) in November 1951 and retired after 41 years of service. He also did home improvement work and TV repairs in his spare time. Roosevelt was a member of john Wesley AME Zion Church located on Ashland Avenue. He worshipped, worked and served there for over 50 years On November 15, 1991, Roosevelt was baptized at Providence Baptist Church and became a member. He attended the 7:45 a.m. morning services regularly on Sundays. He also attended the Adult Sunday School Class regularly after the worship service, until he had a decline in his health. He was a great supporter of the church and the Pastors. Roosevelt enjoyed talking with the youth and young adults about being a good Christian and staying out of trouble. He had a great sense of humor and quick wit. During his retirement, Roosevelt enjoyed family gatherings, cooking, traveling and fishing. he enjoyed sitting on his porch with the other retired neighbors telling hi fishing stories. The little kids in the neighborhood would want to talk with him so they could swing in his glider that he had since 1951. If they would swing too fast, he would send them to their homes. Two of his favorite dishes he prepared were minced barbecue and sweet potato pie. Roosevelt lived at home independently until 2016. His doctor advised him to get someone to live with him, due to his age. His daughter Deloris Weaver moved in with him. On July 3rd and 4th, 2021, he had a few falls at home. He was taken to the hospital and the ER doctor told him that he had osteoarthritis in both knees. He was too old for surgery and because he has steps at home, he couldn't return home. Roosevelt was admitted to Future Care Homewood on July 11, 2021. He did not like being there, be he quickly adapted to it. He enjoyed some of the employees and would have a word of inspiration or a word of wisdom with them daily. He was affectionately called Pop, Poppy, Dad and Pop-Pop, by some of the employees. Life had not been a crystal staircase, but he survived because he trusted in God, and he didn't give up. Roosevelt departed this earthly life on December 8th, 2022. He leaves to cherish his memories: his children - Rose Jennings, Roosevelt Harris, Jr., Deloris Weaver, Constance Harris (Chris), and Earl Harris; his twin sister, Rose Redding; sister-in-law, Ethel Harris; grandchildren - Erana Wallace, Rachel Jennings, George Jennings, Jr., (Alicia), and Ashley Huff, Jr.; great-grandson, Shaun Jennings; great-granddaughters, Gabrielle Jones, and Julianna Jennings; 5 adopted grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He also leaves his church family, his neighbors in the 2000 block of Kennedy Avenue, the angels at Future Care Homewood, Naon Harris (bonus daughter-in-law), and his special boo, Mary Gamble.

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Roosevelt P. Harris Sr.

March 17, 1930 - December 8, 2022