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In memory of
Beatrice Butler Harris
March 11, 1952 - April 30, 2023
Mar 11, 1952 - Apr 30, 2023
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In lieu of flowers
Please consider a donation to MEMORIAL OF BEATRICE "BEA" HARRIS. -
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In lieu of flowers
Please consider a donation to MEMORIAL OF BEATRICE "BEA" HARRIS.
$3,105.00
of $2,000 goal
How you can help
Click link below for Memory Book & Obituary @ https://rb.gy/z7s7y
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Beatrice Harris (Wife, Mother, Sister, Aunt, Godmother, Friend) transitioned on April 30, 2023, surrounded by family members. Beatrice was a wonderful Woman of God who touched the lives of all those around her.
In lieu of flowers, the family simply prefers your attendance or simply your prayers. But if you would like to make donations in her honor, we encourage you to give to her favorite non-profit (and local organization), Generation Y.E.S. - Youth Excellence Services of Biscoe, NC.
Bea will be grateful for any amount that you would like to give. Thank you so much and we love you all.
———- Full Obituary below ————
Born March 11, 1952, she is the daughter of the late Cyrus and Jean Butler. As a young, energetic girl, Beatrice has very fond childhood memories growing up within a large family in the close-knit community of Biscoe, NC.
Beatrice was a member of the second class of African American students who entered into the newly-integrated East Montgomery High School. She fought for justice and equality for the black students and helped form a Black SGA since the SGA would not allow black students. But despite the discrimination they endured, Beatrice excelled in class, actively played sports, and became a majorette. Beatrice would eventually graduate with honors from East Montgomery High School, Class of 1970. Some 40 years later, Beatrice demonstrated her lifelong commitment to learning by earning her Associates Degree in Human Resources from Sandhills Community College in 2011.
Beatrice’s life has been centered around being a beloved mother and homemaker. After marrying Jackie Harris on December 24, 1972, she centered her life around her children while Jackie served in the United States Navy for 6 years. During those 6 years, Beatrice and the kids, like many military families, were challenged with frequent relocations that took them to Memphis, TN and Norfolk, VA. The extended periods of separation were difficult for a young mother, but Beatrice was able to persevere in unfamiliar land until her husband retired from the military and the family relocated back to Biscoe, NC in 1978.
Back in Biscoe and closer to family, the young couple would give their lives to Christ and would even host Bible studies with the community kids in their living room. But they would become faithful members of Hood Chapel AME Zion Church, Biscoe NC. Becoming more mature in the Word and deeper in her spirituality, Beatrice evolved into an awesome Woman of God and truly the salt of the earth.
Fondly known as “Bea”, “Sister Bea” and “Aunt Bea”, everybody was assured a big, warm smile and words of encouragement. She always gave good sound advice about marriage and the LORD.
She served multiple roles in her home church, from local preacher to Sunday School teacher, usher to deaconess. Sister Bea was simply devoted to her life’s mission of glorifying God, following in the footsteps of Jesus, and serving her community. Her favorite and most cherished position was that of Choir Director. Sister Bea blessed her church family on many Sunday mornings leading the Hood Chapel Gospel Choir in songs like “Jesus Is Mine”, “Don’t Wait ‘Til the Battle’s Over”, “I Can Feel the Spirit”, “I’m So Glad Trouble Don’t Last Always” and duets with others such as “You’ve Been So Faithful”, “No Matter How High” and many more.
Sister Bea would eventually follow her husband to Snow Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Mt. Gilead, where she continued her service to the ministry as an Associate Pastor.
Although a resident of Pinebluff, NC, Beatrice was a fervent advocate for the Biscoe Community at large. She helped spearhead the Weavertown Girls Club and Biscoe Community In Action. She founded the Citizens for Dr. King that conducted numerous banquets that honored several community servants in Montgomery County. Beatrice’s leadership was instrumental in establishing the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday March, which has been celebrated in Biscoe for more than 30 years.
Bea enjoyed board games, crossword puzzles, cooking for the family, collecting Christmas nutcrackers, bowling, jigsaw puzzles, watching African movies on Netflix, and just enjoying life. Bea especially loved sewing and doing alterations for her family, friends, and clients. But more than life itself, Bea enjoyed game nights and spending time with her family. Her grandchildren were the Jewels in Her Crown. She didn’t miss any birthday celebrations, graduations, or sporting events. And when it came to family members’ birthdays, she knew them all. You could always count on Bea for good times, good hearty laughter, and good soul food.
Sister Bea did not lose her battle with lung cancer. She lived honorably and courageously with it until the very end. In many ways, she won by inspiring us in real life what she would sing in her song:
"Don't wait 'til the battle is over... shout now!
You know in the end, you're gonna win!"
Beatrice is survived by her husband and the love of her life of 53 years, Reverend Jackie B. Harris, pastor of Snow Hill Missionary Baptist Church; her children, Torrez Harris, Shequeta “Micki” Harris, Sherri (David) Allgood, Tia (Kendrick) Smith, Zachary Harris, and Charles “Petey” Jackson; her grandchildren, Sundiata, Malik, Shemel, Ikee, Ma-K’lee, Kenia, Joy, Kendrick Jr., Logan, Khila, Phoenix, Kimoni, and Izaius; and 10 great grandchildren. Also left to mourn are her beloved siblings: Gilbert, Sallie, Juanita (Johnny Mack), Shirley, Clifford (Paula), Jimmy, Faye (Johnny), Penny (Billy), and Lynn (Ricky); and many nieces and nephews, cousins and countless friends. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her siblings: Rosa, Johnny, Tommy, and Chester.
She also leaves her goddaughter: Shecana “Candie” Collins and her honorary daughters: Cynthia Clark, Patrice Cagle, and Angelita Brown and her special cousin and friend, Hope Butler. Contribute
----------------------------------------
Beatrice Harris (Wife, Mother, Sister, Aunt, Godmother, Friend) transitioned on April 30, 2023, surrounded by family members. Beatrice was a wonderful Woman of God who touched the lives of all those around her.
In lieu of flowers, the family simply prefers your attendance or simply your prayers. But if you would like to make donations in her honor, we encourage you to give to her favorite non-profit (and local organization), Generation Y.E.S. - Youth Excellence Services of Biscoe, NC.
Bea will be grateful for any amount that you would like to give. Thank you so much and we love you all.
———- Full Obituary below ————
Born March 11, 1952, she is the daughter of the late Cyrus and Jean Butler. As a young, energetic girl, Beatrice has very fond childhood memories growing up within a large family in the close-knit community of Biscoe, NC.
Beatrice was a member of the second class of African American students who entered into the newly-integrated East Montgomery High School. She fought for justice and equality for the black students and helped form a Black SGA since the SGA would not allow black students. But despite the discrimination they endured, Beatrice excelled in class, actively played sports, and became a majorette. Beatrice would eventually graduate with honors from East Montgomery High School, Class of 1970. Some 40 years later, Beatrice demonstrated her lifelong commitment to learning by earning her Associates Degree in Human Resources from Sandhills Community College in 2011.
Beatrice’s life has been centered around being a beloved mother and homemaker. After marrying Jackie Harris on December 24, 1972, she centered her life around her children while Jackie served in the United States Navy for 6 years. During those 6 years, Beatrice and the kids, like many military families, were challenged with frequent relocations that took them to Memphis, TN and Norfolk, VA. The extended periods of separation were difficult for a young mother, but Beatrice was able to persevere in unfamiliar land until her husband retired from the military and the family relocated back to Biscoe, NC in 1978.
Back in Biscoe and closer to family, the young couple would give their lives to Christ and would even host Bible studies with the community kids in their living room. But they would become faithful members of Hood Chapel AME Zion Church, Biscoe NC. Becoming more mature in the Word and deeper in her spirituality, Beatrice evolved into an awesome Woman of God and truly the salt of the earth.
Fondly known as “Bea”, “Sister Bea” and “Aunt Bea”, everybody was assured a big, warm smile and words of encouragement. She always gave good sound advice about marriage and the LORD.
She served multiple roles in her home church, from local preacher to Sunday School teacher, usher to deaconess. Sister Bea was simply devoted to her life’s mission of glorifying God, following in the footsteps of Jesus, and serving her community. Her favorite and most cherished position was that of Choir Director. Sister Bea blessed her church family on many Sunday mornings leading the Hood Chapel Gospel Choir in songs like “Jesus Is Mine”, “Don’t Wait ‘Til the Battle’s Over”, “I Can Feel the Spirit”, “I’m So Glad Trouble Don’t Last Always” and duets with others such as “You’ve Been So Faithful”, “No Matter How High” and many more.
Sister Bea would eventually follow her husband to Snow Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Mt. Gilead, where she continued her service to the ministry as an Associate Pastor.
Although a resident of Pinebluff, NC, Beatrice was a fervent advocate for the Biscoe Community at large. She helped spearhead the Weavertown Girls Club and Biscoe Community In Action. She founded the Citizens for Dr. King that conducted numerous banquets that honored several community servants in Montgomery County. Beatrice’s leadership was instrumental in establishing the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday March, which has been celebrated in Biscoe for more than 30 years.
Bea enjoyed board games, crossword puzzles, cooking for the family, collecting Christmas nutcrackers, bowling, jigsaw puzzles, watching African movies on Netflix, and just enjoying life. Bea especially loved sewing and doing alterations for her family, friends, and clients. But more than life itself, Bea enjoyed game nights and spending time with her family. Her grandchildren were the Jewels in Her Crown. She didn’t miss any birthday celebrations, graduations, or sporting events. And when it came to family members’ birthdays, she knew them all. You could always count on Bea for good times, good hearty laughter, and good soul food.
Sister Bea did not lose her battle with lung cancer. She lived honorably and courageously with it until the very end. In many ways, she won by inspiring us in real life what she would sing in her song:
"Don't wait 'til the battle is over... shout now!
You know in the end, you're gonna win!"
Beatrice is survived by her husband and the love of her life of 53 years, Reverend Jackie B. Harris, pastor of Snow Hill Missionary Baptist Church; her children, Torrez Harris, Shequeta “Micki” Harris, Sherri (David) Allgood, Tia (Kendrick) Smith, Zachary Harris, and Charles “Petey” Jackson; her grandchildren, Sundiata, Malik, Shemel, Ikee, Ma-K’lee, Kenia, Joy, Kendrick Jr., Logan, Khila, Phoenix, Kimoni, and Izaius; and 10 great grandchildren. Also left to mourn are her beloved siblings: Gilbert, Sallie, Juanita (Johnny Mack), Shirley, Clifford (Paula), Jimmy, Faye (Johnny), Penny (Billy), and Lynn (Ricky); and many nieces and nephews, cousins and countless friends. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her siblings: Rosa, Johnny, Tommy, and Chester.
She also leaves her goddaughter: Shecana “Candie” Collins and her honorary daughters: Cynthia Clark, Patrice Cagle, and Angelita Brown and her special cousin and friend, Hope Butler. Contribute
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What causes did Beatrice care about most?
Generation Y.E.S.
Generation Y.E.S.
Generation Y.E.S.
What were Beatrice's favorite movies?
African movies
African movies
African movies
What were Beatrice's favorite ways to spend free time?
Putting puzzles together, with her family, completing word puzzles, outside in her y…
Putting puzzles together, with her family, completing word puzzles, outside in her yard.
Putting puzzles together, with her family, completing word puzzles, outside in her yard.
What were Beatrice's favorite drinks?
Ginger Ale and Green Teas
Ginger Ale and Green Teas
Ginger Ale and Green Teas
Timeline
Born
March 11th, 1952
Graduated from high school
1970
East Montgomery High School, Biscoe, NC
Had a child, Torrez Harris
1970
Survived by
Jackie Harris
Husband
Torrez Harris
Son
Micki Harris
Daughter
Sherri Harris Allgood
Daughter
Tia Harris Smith
Daughter
Zachary Harris
Son
Cyrus Butler Jr
Nephew
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Other key details
Cause of death
Lung cancer
Method of disposition
Cremation
Funeral services provided by
H.L. Kearns Funeral Service
Lasting impact
Beatrice donated organs
In lieu of flowers
Please consider a donation to MEMORIAL OF BEATRICE "BEA" HARRIS.
$3,105.00
of $2,000 goal
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Created with love by
Jackie Harris (Beatrice's husband) and
Shequeta Harris.
