Edith Virginia Harris

Edith "Jean" Virginia Harris, age 77, of Gulfport, Mississippi, gently entered eternal rest surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on October 26, 1948, in Gulfport to the late Ernest Robinson and Ruth Hannah Kennedy White, who both preceded her in death.

Edith was educated in the Gulfport School District and proudly graduated from the historic 33rd High School. She dedicated 47 years of service as the Food and Nutrition Services Manager at Memorial Hospital Gulfport, retiring after a career marked by steadfast commitment, compassion, and care for her community. She also honorably retired from Walmart Supercenter in Gulfport after 25 years of devoted service.

A woman whose faith shaped every part of her life, Edith was a faithful member of Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church. She also cherished her decades of fellowship at her former church home, Faith Missionary Baptist Church, where she served joyfully and dutifully for more than 30 years. Her work on the Usher Board and as President of the Kitchen Ministry spoke to her servant's heart and her faith was the foundation of her character. She passed that same spiritual strength down to her children, grandchildren, and all who were part of her life.

Edith's personality was unforgettable, spunky, sassy, joyful, and deeply loving. She enjoyed cooking, traveling, shopping, laughing with friends, and most of all, spending time with her family. Her love for her family was unwavering, and her home was always a place of comfort, laughter, and togetherness. Her warmth, wisdom, and wit made every moment brighter. Above all, Edith's greatest joy was being surrounded by those she loved. She poured her heart into her children and grandchildren, teaching them strength, resilience, kindness, and faith.

She leaves to cherish her memory, one daughter, LaShonda Harris (Sheldon) Deloach; one son, Xavier Sean (Dr. LaWanda Thornton); two sisters, Leona White Barice and Charlene White Drake; three brothers, Ernest White, Homer White, and Reverend Paul Lee; a very special aunt, Dorothy Kennedy Haynes; and her beloved grandchildren: Kristian, Joy, Kayla, John-Xavier, and SJ. She is also preceded in death by her sister, Rev. Veronica Buckner.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 11, at Little Rock Missionary Baptist Church in Gulfport, Mississippi. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Gulf Ponds Memorial Gardens in Long Beach, Mississippi.

Edith's legacy of love, faith, service, and strength will forever live on in the hearts of her family, friends, church community, and all who were blessed to know her. Her life was a testament to grace, devotion, and a deeply rooted love that will continue to guide those she leaves behind.