JoAnn Elizabeth Harris

April 24, 1941 - November 16, 2023

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visitation

World Harvest Christian Church

989 N. Portage Path

Akron, OH 44313

Monday 11/27, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

service

World Harvest Christian Church

989 N. Portage Path

Akron, OH 44313

Monday 11/27, 11:00 am

Wake will be 10:00 am until service time.

JoAnn E. Harris 82, transitioned to the everlasting on November 16, 2023. JoAnn had a kind and generous heart and was beloved by many.

JoAnn was born on April 24, 1941 in Massillon, Ohio to John Simpson and Noreen Oliver. She attended and graduated from South High School, wherein she was know for her incredible singing voice, in 1959. JoAnn was best know for her singular rendition of George Gershwin’s “Summertime!” Soon after graduating, she married Clyde A. Harris Sr. Of that union, four children were born: Sebryna, Clyde Jr. , Nathaniel, and Laura.

Clyde and JoAnn were married for 59 years.

JoAnn worked at First Merit Bank, Manger of Credit Recovery, for 25 years. JoAnn was active in the community, serving as the first African American Director of Northeastern Ohio Girl Scouts, developing courage, confidence and character to young girls in an area encompassing 18 counties; Jack and Jill of America’s Akron Chapter’s Le Beautillion Millitaire, an event that cultivates excellence, scholastic achievement, and promotes community service with African American Senior High School Students in Akron. Clyde Jr. and Nathaniel were both participants.

JoAnn had an immensely giving heart and opened her home to family in need of a place to stay. JoAnn would rather give than receive. JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents John Simpson and Noreen Oliver; husband Clyde Harris, and brothers Jack and Darryl Simpson.

JoAnn is survived by her loving children Sebryna Harris, Clyde Harris Jr, Nathaniel (Bethany) Harris Sr., Laura (Damien) Booker; brothers Quinn (Dee)Simpson, John, Brian (Nancy) Simpson, Darryl Simpson-Pringle, sister Lawanna Sky Matthews, brother in laws William Harris Jr. and Bethel Poole, sister in laws Barbara Harris and Mary Harris: grandchildren Eboni (Michael) Campbell, Kierra Powe, J’Nette Powe, Alexandria Harris, Nat’e Harris, Nathaniel Harris Jr., Dayja Williams, Hunter Williams, Cheyenne Harris, and Tatum Harris; 21 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, Barbara Crooks, Reba Fowler, and Janice Smith.

Calhoun Funeral Home & Cremation Service

Dr. Lori Tucker

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World Harvest Christian Church

989 N. Portage Path

Akron, OH 44313

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Monday 11/27, 10:00 am - 11:00 am

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World Harvest Christian Church

989 N. Portage Path

Akron, OH 44313

Map

Monday 11/27, 11:00 am

Wake will be 10:00 am until service time.

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JoAnn E. Harris 82, transitioned to the everlasting on November 16, 2023. JoAnn had a kind and generous heart and was beloved by many. JoAnn was born on April 24, 1941 in Massillon, Ohio to John Simpson and Noreen Oliver. She attended and graduated from South High School, wherein she was know for her incredibleContinue Reading

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My deepest sympathies and condolences to the family for your loss my prayers ????????.

Joann was always a wonderful mother and neighbor. Who will sadly be missed! May she have a glorious journey to the afterlife and be with her husband Clyde in internal peace. I will always have found memories of her. Anyone who knew her was blessed!

“Oh my God! Forgive this deceased servant of yours and have mercy on him. Give pleasure, forgive, offer treats where it reaches, expand the place it enters. Wash away his (sins) with snow and ice, cleanse him from mistakes, just as a white garment is cleansed from dirt. Take him to a better home than his earthly home, to a better family than his family, to a better spouse than his spouse. Protect him from the torment of the grave and the torment of fire. (Muslim, Janaiz, 86)

Sebryna, Clyde, Nathaniel, Laura, Quinn and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sometimes I think about fond memories of JoAnn babysitting my daughter, Tiffany as a toddler. She was the best. JoAnn was stern always making you laugh. She was a joy and I'm grateful. May the Lord give you peace and comfort.

Praying for family that God comforts you. Unable to attend service. The Harris Family is very special. We have known them many years. Be blessed. Love the Ray Family.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Auntie was a wonderful person and touched the hearts of many. May you all find strength and solace in the memories you shared together.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Harris Family, Mrs. Harris has known me since birth, and has always represented one thing to me, and that is LOVE !!! I will always remember her engaging personality, her ability to make everyone feel like family, and most of all her candid viewpoint. Rest In Peace !!!

To my family, it with a heavy heart that we find ourselves here. JoAnn made an indelible impact on all she came in contact with. Let's continue to honor her Legacy with Love for each other. She's at rest and in the arms of The Lord she loved so much. Her & Mammajamma are together again. Sending prayers ? to each of you. Love you family, Foever.

Harris family please accept my deepest condolences for your loss.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.