Today we pause in humble submission to the will of our Father in Heaven, who in his perfect timing has called home to eternity one of his own Lelia Mae Joiner-Harris. Lelia's journey began on February 15, 1927 in West Point, Mississippi to Lelia and John Young. She was the oldest of two children.
Lelia received her formal education in West Point, Mississippi. She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at an early age.
Lelia was a member of Grace Community Church under the leadership of Rev Claude F. Eugene, Jr. where she sang in the Adult Choir. She later became a member of Greater Life Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Willie E. Manley and Pastor Cedric Manley.
She continued to serve under the spiritual leadership of lead servant Nate Stewart. She served on the Deaconess Board, Mother Board, attended Sunday School and Noon Day Bible Study religiously. She always loved to start the devotion with an old hym before the classes started. She was a faithful member even as her health was failing.
In 1965 Lelia and family moved to San Diego, CA. She later attended City College taking classes in Electronics. She worked at Convair in San Diego until she retired.
On Thursday April 1, 2021 was a gloomy day for those who knew and loved Lelia Joiner-Harris. That was the day she closed her eyes and took her last breath on earth, knowing it was the beginning of taking her first breath in Heaven. Leila held on to the words of the 23rd Psalm. For even though she walked through the valley of the shadow of death, she had no fear. She knew to be absent from the body was to be present with the Lord.
Although Lelia physical body is gone, she is still with us and will live in our hearts and minds forever. We are all God's children; some of us are loaned out for a little longer than others. Only God knows when He is ready for us. So, let us celebrate all the good times and the memories we shared during the time Lelia was here with us.
Lelia was preceded in death by her parents Lelia and John Young; husband John "Papa" Harris; son Malory Flournoy, Jr.; brother Roosevelt Young and play daughter Pam Thomas.
She leaves to cherish her wonderful memories son Shelton Flournoy; her loving nephew George Young and family and a very special loving friend Estelle Rousseau and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will mourn her passing yet celebrate her life.
Sleep on my dear mother, sister, cousin and friend. Take your rest; we will always love you; but God loves you best.