Lucy Harris

Lucy Virginia G. Harris SUFFOLK - "... A woman that fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates." - Proverbs 31: 30b - 31. In the sacred stillness of the afternoon, a processional of angels ushered Lucy Harris from earth to glory. The atmosphere of praise and thanksgiving filled her chambers and calmed our souls. She conquered death like she faced life with courage, dignity and grace. Lucy Virginia Goode Harris traded her mansion on earth for a home in bright glory on Friday, Sept. 25, 2009 on the placid Double R Ranch in Suffolk. Lucy was the daughter of the late Junious and Betty Parker Goode. She was born Feb. 22, 1926 in Waverly, Va. She was the middle child of five siblings. She was predeceased by one brother, Rudolph Goode. She attended college at the Norfolk Campus of the University of Virginia, where she distinguished herself as a scholar and dedicated citizen of the Commonwealth of Virginia. She was married to the late Clarence Julius Harris. For many years they made their home in the Crest Harbor community of Chesapeake. They were the parents of one lovely and precious daughter, Ronda Harris. All who knew Lucy praised her for her unfailing love for her daughter whom she loved dearly. Her affections for her son-in-law were most enduring. In return, they provided for their mother stellar 24-hour care where "Mama Lucy" had her own suite and accommodations fit for a queen. She had personal assistants who cared for her with joy and love. A dedicated, consummate public servant, lay practitioner of the faith, compassionate social worker and family oriented, Lucy Harris was a beloved wife, precious mother and mother-in-law, a doting grandmother, sweet sister, aunt and friend to all. We sweetly called her our "Miss Lucy." When her only child Ronda started nursery, Mother Harris resigned her employment and joined the staff of Liberty Park Day Nursery. She made a heroic difference for the citizens of Norfolk, Virginia and she never lost the motherly touch for those who were in need. She served the Department of Welfare for 10 years. She retired as a supervisor for eligibility with Norfolk Social Services in December 1981. She served her staff with great admiration. Lucy Harris was nurtured in a Christian home and her faith grew immensely. She gave her heart to Jesus and was baptized. She was a member of the First Baptist Church - Crestwood for many years and only transferred her membership when her son-in-law became the pastor of the Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Norfolk. She was a queenly Mother who reminded us of our rich heritage and she stepped with graceful dignity to show us that she was a chosen vessel for the King of Kings. "Miss Lucy" knew that she was deeply loved and honored through the unconditional love and unwavering support by her family. Lucy would always ask to assist her grandchildren and provided the wisdom of her experience and joy of her love in caring for them. Left to honor her legacy and pay tribute to her precious memory are her most devoted daughter and son, Elder Ronda Harris Russell and Bishop Clarence Vernie Russell Jr.; three grandchildren, Bishop Clarence Vernie Russell III and his wife Elder Jamie Brown Russell, Corey V. Russell, Courtney V. Russell; six great-grandchildren, Clarence V. Russell IV, Caitlyn V. Russell, Casey V. Russell, Judea Russell, Corey V. Russell Jr., and Cayla T. Russell; two sisters, Mamie (Melvin) Foote, Barbara (Willie) Cooper; one brother, James (Dr. Norma) Goode; sister-in-law, Eloise Goode; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. A homegoing celebration will take place in the Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Norfolk, Virginia on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at noon. Bishop Clarence Vernie Russell Jr. will offer the eulogy. Graves Funeral Home Inc. of Norfolk is serving the family. The burial will be at Rosewood-Kellum Memorial Park in Virginia Beach. The family is receiving visitation at the Double R. Ranch, 7742 Quaker Drive, Suffolk, VA 23437. The family wishes to express profound gratitude to Tammy Smithwrick, Selena Russell, Gwen Barnes, Dresden Gage, Antoinette Clark, Shonda Washington, R.N., and the staff of Accessible Home Health Care, and the Odyssey Hospice Care for their collective and individual care of our beloved mother, Lucy Harris. We will continue to extend to you our hearts of unlimited love and our arms of unfailing friendship.