Gloria LeGaye Harris

Gloria LeGaye Jones Harris, was born January 4, 1947, in Sharon, Tennessee to the late Charlie I. Jones and Marion K. Rogers Jones. In 1957, at the age of ten, Gloria and her family moved to South Bend, Indianna where she would spend her formative years and build a life filled with love, laughter and creativity. Gloria attended Central High School and shortly after graduation she began her professional journey. She became employed with the Urban league at 105 Jefferson Boulevard in South Bend, where she poured her dedication and compassion into serving her community.
During this time, Gloria became the proud mother of two daughters, Kelli and Michelle – affectionately known as Mickie. In 1973, Gloria found her own "Marvin Gaye" in Johnny L Harris, whom she married on July 31, 1975. Their union was one of partnership, laughter and unwavering devotion. Johnny adopted Kelli and Mickie as his own and together he and Gloria welcomed two more daughters, Shannon and Marion, completing their beautiful family.
Gloria had an extraordinary gift for art. She could draw just about anything and all it took was a simple request to see her face light up with pride. She often spoke joyfully about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who shared her artistic talent.
Gloria also had an unmatched passion for shopping – it didn't matter if it was a grocery store or a department store, she loved to go down every aisle. Shopping brought her peace and joy, and it was one of the many ways she embraced life with enthusiasm.
Later in life, Gloria moved back to Tennessee where she worked as a teacher until 2008. She then relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio to live with her daughter, Kelli. There she joined New Life Missionary Baptist Church as a devoted member. She also maintained a special connection to her home church, Pleasant View Baptist Church in Sharon, Tennessee where she served as President of the Gospel Choir and Secretary of the Adult Sunday School. Gloria loved the Lord deeply and being in church brought her true happiness and peace.
To her family, Gloria was affectionately known as "Glory B" – a name that perfectly captured her light and joy, but she was also the family's strength – steady, hard but loving and always present.
Gloria leaves behind three daughters, Kelli H. Thomas, Shannon Harris, and Marion (Javon) Westmoreland and a Goddaughter she loved unconditionally, Sonya Y. Davis. She was blessed with seven grandchildren, Marcell Richardson, JaRonn Richardson, Marquis (Melanie) Richardson, Jullien Richardson, Sydney Harris, Ivory Harris and Kameron Westmoreland and twenty-two great-grandchildren, all of whom brough immense pride and joy to her heart.
She is also survived by her siblings, Zetha (Jerry) Jones Roundtree, Roger D. (Valentina) Jones, Gracious L. Jones and a host of loving friends and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her siblings, Rodney D. Jones, Delois (Joe) Martin, and Larry Jones., her husband, Johnny L. Harris, Father Charlie I. Jones, Mother, Marion K. Kirk and her daughter, Michelle Harris.
Gloria also cherished her sisters-in-love, Jessica (Lovell) Jones, Sheilia Harris, Janice Simpson (deceased), and Novak Clemons. Her dearest friends, Juanita (Larry) Harvell (deceased) and Agnes Davis, held a special place in her heart, as did close friends, Barbara Chase, Gladys Plant, Pat Robinson, Sallie Dixon, Robert Dobbs, Donald Finch, Charles Hall, Jannas Burton, and Joe Jones.
Her legacy of love, laughter, creativity and faith will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her. Gloria's life was a beautiful melody filled with art, music and unwavering devotion to her family and her God.
Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing that she is at peace, reunited with her beloved family members and resting safely in the arms of the Lord.
Well done good and faithful servant. You have fought the good fight, finished your race and kept the faith.
A Homegoing Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., November 29, 2025, at New Life Missionary Baptist Church, 6434 Simpson Ave., Cincinnati Ohio, 45224.