Irma Gene Harris was born in Jackson, Mississippi on December 19, 1941 to parents Jackson and Liller Riley. On August 21, 2010 she answered the Lord and returned home.
At an early age Irma gave her life to Christ and took pleasure in singing praises to the Lord in the church choir. After graduating from Lanier High School, she accepted a position as a Civil Service Inspector and volunteered her time at the Head Start Education Center in Tacoma, Washington. It was there that she met and married Ed Roy Harris. Within their marriage and before relocating to St. Louis, Missouri they were blessed with three children.
Irma joined Progressive Baptist Church and over the years she participated in the Gospel Showcase, volunteered with the Food for the Hungry Program and continued her passion of singing hallelujah to the Lord. In addition to church, she believed that education was paramount. Shortly after obtaining a position in the Early Education Follow Through Program, she received awards for providing Outstanding Service and Dedicated Efforts in Improving Educational Programs.
Simultaneously, Irma raised her family and furthered her education at Harris Stowe State College. With high honors she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a certificate in Early Childhood Education. Consequently, she was nominated for one of the Outstanding Young Women of America in 1979.
As a respected professional in the education field, she excelled as a teacher with the St. Louis Board of Education for 38 years. Throughout her career she received numerous honors and awards for being recognized as Teacher of the Year. After 39 years of marriage she lost her husband Ed Roy. During and before her retirement, she enjoyed traveling and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Irma was virtuous, effervescent, fun, lively, avant-garde, elegant, stylish, regal, caring, compassionate, sincere, generous, and loving. Beyond doubt, she will truly be missed.
She left behind three children: Sandra Dee, Reginald Tyrone Harris of St. Louis, MO and Ronald Tyree Harris of Chicago, IL; three grandchildren: Darryl Braxton, Ryan Tyree and Kara Keon Hamilton of St. Louis, MO; two sisters, Aretha Gray of Forest, MS and Katie Hampton of Jackson, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
