Claudette Colbert (Hayes) Harris, born on April 27, 1934, in Lexington, Kentucky, the only child of the late Mary Clark and Claude Hayes. She departed this life on October 8, 2025, after a brief illness.She is preceded in death by her step-father, William Mitchell; step-sister- law, Ruth Anna Ford; husband of 56 years, Robert Harris, her son William (Butch) Harris and her great-granddaughter, Chelsea Harris.
Claudette worked for Wahl Clipper in Sterling, IL and for Dickson Industries in Des Moines, IA. She spent 30 years at Immanuel Baptist Church in Lexington, KY, in the role of receptionist. She was Immanuel’s longest serving employee, retiring at the age of 87, and enjoyed working and worshiping with “the girls” whom she loved dearly.
She made her confession of faith at an early age at Greater Liberty Baptist Church, was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Sterling, IL, and Maple Street Missionary Baptist in Des Moine, IA, during her time away from Lexington. Upon returning to Lexington, Claudette was a founding member of Imani Baptist Church where her greatest accomplishment was the establishment of the Welcome Committee. She returned to her childhood church home, Greater Liberty Baptist Church, where she was welcomed with open arms and found her greatest peace until the end of her life.
Claudette is survived by one son Gordon (Martha) Harris, Sterling, IL; two daughters Juana McNair, Columbus, OH, and Marche Harris (Judy Ambach), Louisville, KY; one step-son Kim (Tina) Stevenson, Lexington, KY. She also leaves to mourn her passing 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and special friends. The family would like to personally thank Senoria Walker, Karon Grimes, Mitchell Brockman, Mary McBeth, Barbara Smith, and Tracy Michelle for their special care and love of our mother.
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