Obituary of Gladys Harris

Gladys Watson Harris, age 95, passed away on September 6, 2021. She was a resident of Solaris Charlotte Harbor Health Care, Port Charlotte, Florida. Gladys, was the eldest daughter of Eddie Watson and Alberta Lee Watson's four daughters. She was born in St. Petersburg, Florida June 9, 1926. She was the quintessential “big sister” to her younger siblings. After graduating from Gibbs High School, in St. Petersburg, FL, Gladys met and married Willie Frank Harris, Sr. This union produced three children: Willie Frank, Jr; Glennette; and Vanessa. The Harris Family moved to New York in the early 1950s, where they settled in the Bronx. They joined Church of the Abiding Presence, where she faithfully served in leadership roles, such as the Hi Teens Youth Group Coordinator. She started the Usher Board for the women; as well as being a Sunday School Teacher for over a decade. She was beloved in her community, and appreciated for her indefatigable spirit of giving and caring. When she retired, she moved to Port Charlotte, Florida in 1990. She joined Community Life Church - Assemblies of God Full Gospel, and established a new fruitful life in various capacities of service. She also maintained a day care center, and became a foster parent. She still managed to find time to volunteer reading to children at Books-A-Million. Gladys was predeceased by her parents, husband, son, and sister Jessie and brother-in- law Arlington Williams. She is survived by her daughters: Glennette and Vanessa; granddaughter, Vanessa Estrada (Victor); grandson, Dane Harris; and greatgrandchildren: Victor Estrada, Jr, Kailani Estrada, and Melody Harris. She is survived by a large extended family, including her sisters, Dorothy Watson and Barbara (Lutiecia) Noel, both of Sarasota. Surviving nieces include Diahann Maria Watson, Esquire, Joy Y Bell, Gail Musson (Maxwell), Arline Williams, and Rona Marshall (Christopher). Gladys was also blessed with “cousins by the dozens”, including Dr. Walter Smith (Barbara); Judge Gregory Mathis (Linda); Dr. Eugene Hardin (Donna); Dr. Bakitah Abdul-Rauf. There are innumerable surviving members from the Lee-Watson-Boles branches of the family who join in with expressing sympathy and condolences. Gladys' unwavering faith, spiritual wisdom, and love for people was generous. She will be sorely missed by all those who knew and loved her.