April 28, 1937 - January 2, 2021
Ocie James Harris was born on April 28, 1937 in Blytheville, Arkansas. He was one of twelve children born, into the union of holy matrimony of Earley and Celler Stine Harris. Ocie was an Army veteran who served for three (3) years and was honorably discharged. He then pursued a college degree and graduated, after which, he was employed at Durkee for several years and also worked at Stateville Correctional Center. Ocie accepted Jesus as his LORD and Savior many years ago. Under the leadership of Pastor Mae Jewel Ellis of Refuge Mission church, he served as usher and participated in various programs within the church. During his life journey, he met, fell in love and married then Ms. Ophelia Ferguson. In this union, twin girls were born: Ericka and Eurika. He also inherited and raised them from the ages of five and seven years old, two sons named Cornelius and Vincent Lee. After several long years of marriage, it was unfortunately dissolved, however, Ophelia and Ocie remained close and the bond with his sons continued to remain strong. Later in life he met his second wife, Ms. Charlie Mae French and she brought into this union a son named Vincent. This marriage was short-lived and did not produce any children. If you truly knew Ocie, you were aware that he loved to take pictures of family and friends. He considered himself an “official photographer” for all events whether he was asked or not (normally he was asked). He also loved sending out greeting cards for any occasion or “just because.” He loved encouraging individuals by letting them know how much he/she was appreciated. He was an avid reader who loved solving puzzles, especially word search puzzles with hidden clues inside. One of his passions was cooking pizzas for family and friends. Another specialty of his was baking Strawberry Shortcakes made in the shape of a heart. Ocie was a very generous man who loved his family, friends and especially children who were always near and dear to his heart. Whatever you needed, if he had it, he would give it to you. Ocie was preceded in death by his parents, his twin daughters who were stillborn and the following siblings: (brothers) Clarence, Sr., Arthur “Jr.”, Leonard and Emmett; (sisters) Pecola, Dorothy, Jessie, Rosalee, Verlean and Delores. He leaves to cherish in loving memory his surviving sister, Dillie (J.B.) Rodgers, his beloved “step”-sons Cornelius (Eileen) and Vincent (Angelia) Lee, four nieces and two nephews who were also his caretakers: I-Sha a.k.a. “Emma” Holman, Mae Frances & Henry (his personal barber) Adams, Leatha (R.T.) Smith, Beverly Campbell and James a.k.a. “Smitty” Smith III. He also leaves behind seventeen grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Order of Service Friday, January 15, 2021
Visitation: 10:00am – 11:00am | Service: 11:00am - 12:00pm St. John Missionary Baptist Church 104 E. Zarley Blvd. | Joliet, IL 60433 Pastor Herbert Brooks Sr., Host Pastor Dennis Atkins Jr., Officiating
Musical Prelude Processional Pastors and Familly Opening Prayer & Encouragment Pastor Leatha Smith Pastor Eudis Denson Life Reflections Read Silently Remarks 2 minutes please Words of Comfort Pastor Dennis Atkins, Jr. Benediction Pastor Dennis Atkins, Jr. Recessional Pastors and Family “…to be absent from the body and to be present with the LORD.” (II Corinthians 5:8 KJV) “He will swallow up death in victory; and the LORD GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; …” (Isaiah 25:8 KJV)
“I’m Free” Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the close of the day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My Life’s been full, I savoured much, Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch, Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.
Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery 20953 W. Hoff Rd Elwood, IL 60421 (immediately following the service)
REPAST Due to COVID-19, there will not be one.
PALLBEARERS Family
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The family of Ocie Harris would like to thank everyone for their prayers, support, attendance, well-wishes and love during this very difficult time. Although his passing was a shock and total surprise to us, it wasn’t to GOD. He knew and Ocie did not die alone. Not in the spiritual sense. An angel or several were with him as he left this life and went on to the next. They ushered him on to Jesus who was waiting for him with open arms. We thank GOD for everyone’s support and pray that He blesses each and every one of you. To GOD be the glory!