John A. Harris

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comet unto the Father, but by me. John 14:1-6

Deacon John A. Harris transitioned this life on Thursday, January 18, 2024 in Suffolk, Virginia. Also known as “Alex”, he was born on March 11, 1929 to the late Beverly Harris and Mary Belle Allen Harris John joined the Ferguson Grove Baptist Church, Surry, Virginia at an early age and was ordained as Deacon by the late Reverend C.C. Rogers. There he served faithfully as Chairman of the Deacon Board for many years. While at Ferguson Grove, he and his brothers, Willie Ray and Linwood spent countless hours building to ensure that the church glorified God.

He later followed his heart and family to join the Emmanuel Baptist Church and served as Vice Chairman of its Deacon Board. Just as he had done previously at Ferguson Grove, whatever needed to be done at Emmanuel, he was there to lend a helping hand.

Deacon Harris will be remembered for his powerful, inspirational and soul stirring prayers on Sunday mornings. He retired from Smithfield Packing Company as supervisor after 35 years of employment. After retirement he continued to do jobs that kept him busy such as gardening, lawn care, building, just to name a few. He loved conversing with neighbors and friends.

John is preceded in death by his mother and father; wives, Dorothy and Evelyn; four brothers: Willie Ray Harris, Earnest Harris, Linwood Harris and Augusta Harris; one sister: Blanche Harris Robertson; a son: Sherman “Duke” Harris; a grandson: Marlin D. Revish; his son-in-law: Hugh Jones; and his best friend: Dee Dee Edwards.

Leaving to cherish his memories are: three daughters, Linda Goodman Jones and Alice Jones of Smithfield, Virginia, Pamela Copeland (Wayne) of Suffolk, Virginia; six sons, John Lee Harris Sr. (Gail) of Leland, North Carolina, Harry Darden (Sandra) of Carrollton, Virginia, Larry Darden (Eugonda) and Gregory Darden (Della) of Suffolk, Virginia, Troy Darden (Frances) of Chesapeake, Virginia and Michael Darden of Hampton, Georgia; one godson: Michael Harris of Suffolk, Virginia; one sister-in-law: Mae Belle Harris of Newport News, Virginia; 15 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; a devoted niece, Hilda Wilson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12pm Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Emmanuel Baptist Church.  Interment   will follow the service in Emmanuel Baptist Church Cemetery. Viewing will take place on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 3-6pm at the chapel.   Please keep the Harris family in your prayers.