Martha Elizabeth Harris

Our beloved Mother, Martha Elizabeth Harris, affectionately known as "Aunt Mott," daughter of the late Reverend Dr. St. Paul Freeman Sr. and Edna Hannah Freeman, was born on June 30, 1938, at Chester County Hospital.

On January 19, 2026, our mother peacefully transitioned, surrounded by her loving and devoted family, her Pastor Reverend Dr Labarron F McAdoo Sr. of Union Baptist Church, Deacon Bill, and Sister Betty Haskins.

Martha Elizabeth Harris was preceded in death by her parents Reverend Dr St Paul Freeman Sr. and Edna Hannah Freeman, seven siblings; Sarah Rosetta Lee, Thelma Adeline Williams, Clara Lily Wright, St. Paul Freeman Jr., King David Freeman, Daniel Edward Freeman, and Mary Magdalene Hill.

She was also preceded in death by her beloved Granddaughter, Monique S. Boyce, and Great-grandson Jakai E. Clayton

Early Life & Education:

Martha was raised in Port Deposit, Maryland. At the age of 18, she attended Cheyney State College, where she studied Cosmetology, nurturing her lifelong love for beauty and creativity.

In 1965, she moved to Wilmington, Delaware, and in 1978, she joined Union Baptist Church, where she faithfully served under Reverend Dr. Otis A. Herring. She sang proudly in the Senior Choir and The Voices of Union.

A Woman of Creativity & Faith:

Our mother was a true Artist of Design. She loved to paint, decorate, rearrange furniture, and transform her home with mirrors and creativity. Every birthday card she gave was personally designed-each one a work of love. Her personal touch was extraordinary; she could have owned her own card business.

She was a devoted mother, best friend, and warrior to the very end-a strong woman of God who often reminded us that we were B.L.E.S.S.E.D.

She was a teacher of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, and her unconditional love carried us through both joy and struggle.

Mom always said, "You got this-trust in the Lord." Her favorite scriptures were Psalms 40: 1 - 4 and Romans 8: 24- 29. Her favorite song was "We've Come This Far by Faith" by Donnie McClurkin.

Career & Service:

Martha loved to cook and worked as a waitress at The Barn Door in 1975, and later at Clements Travel Center in 1978.

In 1978, she made a courageous decision to pursue education. With the full support of her children, she earned her GED from New Castle Learning Center on October 2, 1986.

She began her teaching career at Christ Our King Catholic School, teaching 4th-grade English, and Math, and received a certificate from Kingswood Community Center for her dedication as a Paraprofessional. She went on to teach at St. Elizabeth School, St. Ann School, Martin Luther King School, Drew Pyle School just to name a few.

Martha devoted herself to teaching from 1986 through 2002, retiring on June 6, 2002.

Family & Legacy:

Our mother dedicated her life to her children, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

We will miss hearing her voice every day.

While spoiling our mom, she spoiled her grandbabies even more.

She joyfully planned every birthday celebration, Hot Seat Christmas Party, and family gathering-especially Thanksgiving and Christmas.

We will miss calling her, spending time with her, laughing at her jokes, but please do not call her during Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and the Lone Ranger.

One of the things mom would enjoy was hearing her two oldest fussing about whose phone time it was with her.

Mom was the rock of our family, easy to talk to.

She will be deeply missed by all and by her loyal protector, Dallas, her beloved family dog.

Her Lasting Legacy:

Martha Elizabeth Harris is survived by her loving children; Zelda Rae Harris, Edward John Harris (Regina Annette Harris), Patricia Ann Harris-Word, and Edgar Lee Harris, Jr.; Sister; Hannah Janetta Ward; Brother John Ellis Freeman, 15 Grandchildren, 25 Great-Grand Children, and a host of loving family members and close friends.

Lovingly Submitted,

The Family