Memorial Service – October 11, 2026 – 2pm

 (This memorial service will be live streamed)

The Family of Nancella Wilson Harris is honoring her wishes for a private memorial service with her family, beloved club members, and very close friends. Seating can be reserved by clicking this link and a representative will contact you.

In keeping with Nancella’s wishes, in lieu of flowers or food, contributions may be made to support scholarships for future scholars through her beloved organization, the Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation (BPACF) at www.bpacf.org.

Nancella Wilson Harris

Nancella Wilson Harris, (affectionally called Nan or Aunt Nancy), was born on November 18, 1935, to Wallace Wilson and Frankie Lee Wilson (both deceased). She quietly departed this life on September 26, 2026.

Nancella married the love of her life, Wallace “Harry” Harris (deceased), on June 1, 1979. Nancella was a proud mother to her daughter Michelle, and Nana to her grandson, Wallace “Ricky”.

A native Clevelander, Nancella graduated from John Adams High School in 1954. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Bowling Green State University, and a Master’s Degree in Social Science Administration from Case Western Reserve University.

Nancella worked for 30 years in the Cuyahoga County Department of Human Services, serving in numerous leadership capacities throughout her distinguished career, where she retired as the Director of Equal Employment Opportunity.

Nancella served the Greater Cleveland area through numerous civic, educational, and community organizations. Her history of community service was very distinguished. In 1994, while serving on the YMCA Board of Trustees, she was elected to serve as the first female and the first African-American Board President. She joined the Black Professionals Association of Greater Cleveland (BPA) in 1977. In 1985, Nancella, along with BPA Chairperson Tanya Allmond (deceased) and Past Chairman Arthur Baker Jr., established the Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation (BPACF). In 2019, BPACF honored Nancella as a Lifetime Achiever and also conferred the title of Trustee Emeritus.

Nancella was very active in her church, Mount Zion of Oakwood Village. She was an avid world traveler and enjoyed playing Bridge and Pinochle.

Nancella was preceded in death by her husband Wallace, parents, and siblings Lois Wilson, Wallace Wilson Jr., Winifred J. Wilson-Gordon, Willie James Wilson (Bernice), and Sandra Key (Grover). She leaves to mourn her passing her sister Bonita Saddler-Newman, daughter Michelle Harris, grandson Wallace Harris II. Her memory will forever be cherished by her Goddaughters, Nieces, Nephews, Great Granddaughters, and a host of friends.