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Celestine Harris
1928 - 2015
Celestine Harris
1928 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1928
DIED
2015
Celestine Harris Obituary
Celestine was a member of Mount Hope Baptist Church in Yakima. She attended Bible Study Fellowship for 10 years. God, family and friends were her treasures. She loved cooking, baking, canning and gardening. Celestine was the Matriarch of her family and keeper of our family stories and history.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Josie and Emmett Johnson, six siblings, husband, Ernest Harris and daughter, Cheryl. She was survived by her two sisters, Refernell Thompson of Seattle, WA and Ruth Jackson of Pasco, WA, five children, 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation for our mom will be held at Merritt Funeral Home in Wapato, WA on Monday, December 28, 2015, from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Graveside services will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Toppenish, WA, at 2 pm. A celebration of Celestine's life is planned for this coming spring. The date and time will be announced.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your favorite youth organization.
"My love is with you." Celestine Harris
To share a memory of Celestine, please visit www.merrittsfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Olivas Family
January 6, 2016
Dear Mrs. Harris(Robyn)
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We know how much your mother meant to you and your family. Every time you spoke of her we could see the love that you had for her. Our deepest sympathies are with you at this time. We love you and are thinking of you.
Brenda Nobbs Schneider
December 28, 2015
Dear Judy and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Celestine was the most amazing woman and I am so grateful to have had her as a part of my life back in the "Alices Flowers" days. She taught me so much and not just about flowers She also taught me the importance of laughter! She was always a happy spitfire that you could not ignore or love more! She always had a helping hand and willing spirit to make it better and many times shared words of wisdom that I have drawn on through the years. If you knew her- you were family. God Bless you all so much at the time and in the days to come. Love to you all.
December 28, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss, I grew up with Traci and can remember Mrs Harris as a wonderful caring mother and such great cook, she made the best red beans and sausage! She is smiling down from heaven now. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda Reyes Ramirez
Edra Harrison
December 28, 2015
My sincerest sympathy for your loss. Celestine was such a contagiously positive person. No matter what was going on in your life; if you happened to cross paths, the rest of your day would be better. A gift she passed to her children. I will always remember her smile.
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December 28, 2015
My condolences to the Harris Family. I will always remember Celestine, she had a great heart. She welcomed me into the family. She had a contagious laughter and great smile. I loved her stories. I will always love her and her family. God bless you all.
Lucia Espinosa
Steve and Dea Lamebull
December 27, 2015
So sorry for the entire Harris family. She was quite a lady. There's a new angel up there. Our condolences.
Frank Marez
December 27, 2015
Celestine and her family were our neighbors for many years. She was a very kind woman. Always remember Celestine with a nice smile on her face. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Harris family.
patrice swofford
December 27, 2015
To Celestine's family, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting and working with your Mom at Alice's Flowers,she was always fun, upbeat and positive.She was kind and had a generous spirit.I always enjoyed seeing her after we no longer worked together and sharing a big hug. You are so blessed to have had such an amazing Mother. patrice
December 27, 2015
She will e forever in your hearts, this wonderful woman touched a lot of hearts and souls. You all are blessed to have been able to call her "MOM" Heart felt sympathy to all. Thoughts and prayers, Sandy Quigley Ashlock
Stephen Busby
December 27, 2015
To all the Harris Family and their extended families.
Celestine, Stine, remains a permanent memory in my mind's eye and heart.
I can see her smile. Not her lips, but her entire face would light up when she saw me and began to speak. Always a cheerful, positive statement about something and the impression she had been waiting just to talk to me. We had frequent contacts during my years living in Toppenish and later when she moved just one block from me in Yakima. To the public she was a most committed woman to what is best and right for all people. To her children, you must be so grateful. Grateful for your "mean" mama??? Yes,
mean enough to be sure you always knew you were loved every second, BUT
there were rules and ways of doing things.....and you did not have any say in it. As you review your personal success, and the respect you receive from others, that moment speaks the greatest respect to your mother. I extend my respect to you, but a bit more to your mother. I enjoyed many philosophical discussions with her at work, or in her home off 38th in Yakima. And the care you gave her in your home to the final days is such a respectful gesture. That kindness will return to you. Each time I see one of you, I will remember the vibrant, power pack intensity of your Matriarch who could calm it for loving compassionate moments to visit. Thank you for sharing her in my life's history. Oh my how Heaven is going to get a little shake up at her arrival.
Amen
Steven Cobb
December 27, 2015
I knew her when I worked at Safeway in Toppenish. She always greeted everyone with a smile and a friendly hello.Later on I transferred to Yakima but I have never met anyone quite like "mom". She was an amazing person. She will be missed. Prayers to the family in this hardest of times.
December 27, 2015
Gwen, we didn't know your mother but know she was special to have raised you. All that knew her, really appreciated her. Please accept our condolences.
Lois Bourgeois Jones
Dick Jones
Toppenish, WA
Suzie Grubb
December 26, 2015
Gwen, I didn't know your mom but wish to extend my condolences to you, my favorite typing and shorthand classmate. I can see you look a lot like her. Hope to see you at the next reunion.
Suzie (Miller) Grubb
Teresa (Vogel) Nelson
December 26, 2015
Judi I was so so sorry to read of your moms passing. I remember her so well she was such a sweet lady, always a smile on her face. I always enjoyed visiting with her at Safeway and the flower shop.
Kristin Bernath
December 24, 2015
Mrs. Harris (Judi), Sorry even after 22 years it still doesn't feel right calling you by your first name. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember in 2nd grade at Nob Hill Elementary your mother coming in and helping at least once a week, these memories are some of my fondest with Grandma Harris. Your family is in my prayers.
Celleen Renee Maryland
December 23, 2015
Our hearts are heavy and sad but she has left us with so many memories.
She was and is such a big part of our life. A part that can't be replaced but it will be treasured forever.
I know she raised 7 children but she also had a hand in raising me so I feel like I not only lost my aunt but my other mother.
She will be greatly missed.
Renee' and Johnel Maryland and Jennifer and Zane Lowrey
Sacramento CA
Tammy Henle
December 23, 2015
Rich & Judi, I am sorry to hear that your mom has left us. She was an amazing woman whom I always looked up to and had the most respect for. I loved that little woman. You are both in my heart!
Chris Thorington
December 23, 2015
She had a golden heart and the warmest hugs. I loved her dearly.
Gabriel Martinez
December 22, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers to the Harris Family. We are sorry for your loss. Celestine had a laugh and smile that warm our hearts. Gabriel & Norma Martinez Family.
Wally Morrison
December 22, 2015
Judi & Rich.....Susan and I want to express our deepest sympathies for your loss. Celebrate the good memories you shared and know that she will always be in your heart.
December 22, 2015
We mourn the loss of such a lovely woman who gave so much to the community, family, and friends. With sincere sympathy, Bill and JoRee Murphy
Clay Nulph
December 22, 2015
So sorry to hear of your loss....I was always treated with warm kindness by the entire Harris family...You are extraordinary folks and are in my thoughts and prayers...
Robert Brown
December 22, 2015
I'm sorry for your loss. May God bless you and keep you strong.
Robert Brown
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218 W 3rd Street, Wapato, WA 98951
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