Obituary of Jessie Harris

Life Reflections

Jessie Marie Harris was gifted to this world on August 25, 1930, and lived a beautiful and full life before gracing Heaven with her presence on May 12, 2021.

Jessie’s parents, the late Hezekiah John Burke and Elva Burke Allgood, instilled a strong sense of family love and togetherness in Jessie; a legacy she has passed down to her own family.  Jessie was the youngest of Hezekiah and Elva’s four children (Frances, Eleanor, and James).

Jessie attended the Broad Street School in Amelia County, Virginia, where she met the love of her life, Louis Edward Samuel Harris; and, they wed on May 10, 1948.  They were married for over 71 years and from this union, one beautiful baby girl was born, Gloria.

Jessie joined the Macedonia Baptist Church at an early age and was a faithful member until she and Louis, together with Gloria, moved to Baltimore, Maryland, in 1954.  At that time, she began to frequent the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church and sometimes Southern Baptist Church.

Jessie was employed at Home Laundry from 1954 until they closed in 1958.  Then, she transferred to Lord Baltimore Laundry where she worked until retirement.

Jessie was fun loving and feisty.  She would tell you whatever was on her mind, whenever she felt the need.  She loved to dance and tap her toes to the beat of any music playing.  She was very particular about her appearance—oh, how she loved her fashion.  In her later years, you’d find her grabbing her purse before she grabbed her cane.  You might find her sitting in full regalia, jewelry and all…and when asked, “Mom, where are you going?”  She’d remark, “I’m going out! If you stay ready, you never have to get ready!”

She loved her children more than could be measured and she loved her grands more than that!  She raised her son-in-love as if he were her own.  Their house was a home filled with love, food, and laughter…and anyone who visited was made to feel one of the family.  That was Jessie’s way.

Jessie leaves to cherish her memory, one brother, James “Jimmy” Burke, her beloved and doting daughter, Gloria Ann Harris Witherspoon and son-in-love, Willie Witherspoon, Sr.; five adoring grandchildren, Willie Witherspoon, Jr., Ta’Var Witherspoon (Nikia); Nathan Espinosa (Alicia); Sheila Tarrant; and Roger Aleong; 11 great grandchildren, and, 1 great-great grandchild; along with a loving host of relatives and friends.