Jessie Mae Harris

Mother Jessie Mae Bradley was the oldest child born August 15, 1926, to the late Mr. Timothy Bradley and Mrs. Pernellow Bradley in Jonesboro, Louisiana.

She accepted Christ at the Pine Grove Baptist Church of Jonesboro, Louisiana. Her family later migrated to Richland Parish, where she united with St. Joe Baptist Church of Alto, Louisiana.

She married Mr. Sylvester Harris, Sr., in Monroe, Louisiana, where together they raised their four biological children and some of the neighborhood children on Calypso Street. She was known in the community by many names: Miss Jessie Mae, Jessie Mae, The Fox,The Lady in the Hat, and Sassy among others.

After relocating to Monroe, Louisiana, she united with the Antioch Baptist Church under several pastors where she served faithfully for over 55 years and where she served as a senior choir member, mission worker, and member of the food and hospitality ministry among others. One of her proudest moments was being made a deaconess, along with her husband on his deacon ordination, under the leadership of Pastor John L. Russell, Sr.

She was well known in the community for attending church and being a snazzy well-dressed church woman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Sylvester Harris, Sr, and children, Sylvester Harris, Jr. (Sexy Syl,) James Bracy, and Dewanna Harris

She leaves to cherish her memories three daughters, Ruthie M. James of Fremont, California, Cynthia Bush of Monroe, Louisiana, and Pamela Wright ( Byron) of Mesquite, Texas; one son, Herbert Bradley; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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