Bertha Harris

Mrs. Bertha Lee Harris passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, in Seattle, Washington at the age of 91. She was born on July 2, 1934, to Freda Hobson and King Henry Simmons in Chicago, Illinois. Both of her parents preceded her in death. Bertha was raised in Kansas City, Kansas, where she attended Northeast Jr. High School and Sumner High School. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age.

She was married to the love of her life, Leo M. Harris, Sr., for 72 years before Leo passed away in 2022. Her children, grandchildren, and extended family, including her church family, were always her priority. Bertha was a full-time homemaker during her early marriage years until her children became older. During those early years, she also worked part-time for the Kansas City, Kansas Election Board during election seasons. She truly enjoyed public service and helping others. Later, she began working in the healthcare field. She started at Bryant Butler Kitchen Nursing Home, and after a few years there, she worked in the physical therapy department at St. Luke’s Hospital, where she eventually retired after many years of dedicated and enjoyable service.

Bertha was a faithful member of New Bethel Church in Kansas City, Kansas, under the leadership of Bishop A. Glenn Brady. She and her husband loved attending regular church services with their church family. She continued to attend faithfully until her health began to decline. She was a beloved Mother of the Church and taught adult Sunday School. She loved reading the Word and sharing her Bible knowledge with others.

Bertha was one of the most kind, gentle, and loving people you could ever meet. She had a strong belief in the “Golden Rule.” Bertha enjoyed her family immensely, and her grandchildren lovingly called her Mama Harris. She loved celebrating family events, including birthdays, holidays, graduations, weddings, and more. These celebrations always included plenty of food and fun. She was very proud of the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also had a quick wit and a wonderful sense of humor. Bertha will be truly missed by her family and loved ones.

Bertha was preceded in death by mother, Freda Prymus; stepfather, Moses Prymus; father, King Henry Simmons; husband Leo Harris, Sr.; daughter, Marta and her great-granddaughter, Laniyah.

Left to mourn her passing are her children: Sherry Jones (Jerry), Kansas City, KS; Carmen Brown (Rick), Renton, WA; Leo Harris, Jr. (Cynthia), Tallahassee, FL; Lissa Harris, Kansas City, KS; Lori Nelson (David), Battle Ground, WA; Velvet Harris, Pearland, TX; Bryan Harris, St. Joseph, MO; and Angela Walker (Rickie), Raymore, MO. She is also survived by her Aunt Willie Fisher, Los Angeles, CA; 17 grandchildren; Jerry Jones, Jr.; Natalie Mason-Kinsey; Stephanie Walker; Richard Brown (Monique); Jennifer Opiola (Tony); David Jones (Tiffany); Kristen Mansaw; Gabriel Brown; Shannon Lukens (Tim); Matthew Brown; Darnell Walker; Whitney Selectman; D' Juan Weaver; Brittany Nelson; Tiffany Nelson; Rician Walker; and Morgan Walker; 19 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and a host of cousins, family members, friends, and loved ones.

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