Ella Mae McHaney-Harbor was born January 17, 1934, in Henderson, Tennessee, to the late John Henry McHaney Sr. and the late Florence Virginia Clifford-McHaney. She was the second child born into this loving union.

Ella gave her life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at Oak Grove Church of Christ while attending Chester County Training Center in Henderson, Tennessee. Ella learned the value of a good education and hard work by helping her family on the family farm, a foundation that stayed with her throughout her life.

Ella completed her education, then married Joe Dock Harbor, and eventually, they moved to Cleveland, Ohio, to make it their home. Ella continued her walk with Christ, and they became active members of Adams Avenue Church of Christ. Ella also worked faithfully as a dietary aide at University Hospital of Cleveland until her retirement.

Ella was a person who loved to laugh and have a good time. She was a fun-loving wife, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend who had a special way of bringing joy into the room. She loved to joke and tease those closest to her, and her unforgettable giggle would brighten anyone’s day. Ella and Joe always visited home in Tennessee, and they never came empty-handed. She always had thoughtful gifts and special surprises for her nieces and nephews. Of course, no visit was complete without their famous family catfish fries before heading back to Cleveland.

Ella and Joe did not have children of their own, but their hearts were full of love for their godchildren, Cynthia Sims, whom Ella affectionately named “Cynpan,” and Winson Williams, known as “Win-Win.” They embraced them as their own. They are the children of their good friends and neighbors, Gwendolyn and the late Robert Williams. Their special bond was an example of how family is not only defined by blood but by love, loyalty, and relationships we nurture throughout life. Cynthia and Winson were a constant source of love, companionship, and support, remaining faithfully by her side in her later years and until her passing. On October 5, 2026, Ella peacefully transitioned from her earthly life.

Ella was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Joe Dock Harbor; her brother, John Henry McHaney Jr. (Rebecca); and her beloved baby sister, Mattie Pearl Coffee (Marcell).

She leaves to cherish her precious memory 15 nieces and nephews, along with many great-nieces and great-nephews, a host of wonderful cousins, beautiful extended family members, dear friends, and all those whose lives she touched with her kindness, loving spirit, and laughter, along with her famous giggle.
Rest peacefully, sweet Ella. Your giggle and laughter will be missed, your love will be remembered, and your beautiful spirit will forever be a part of our family.