Dorothy Mae Walker Harris 1922-2020

Dorothy, known as “Dot” to friends, was born Sept. 22, 1922, in Youngstown to parents James and Sarah Walker.

After graduating from Wilson High School in 1940, she married Robie Jackson Harris and had three children. In 1962, she graduated from Choffin Nursing School as an LPN and was immediately employed by St. Elizabeth Medical Center, where she remained until her retirement in 1987. She utilized her medical background volunteering for the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation.

Her spiritual guidance was met at Third Baptist Church, mostly under the leadership of the late Dr. Morris W. Lee, where she served as a member of the senior choir, adult ensemble, Missionary Society, Saturday Bible study, and was an integral part of the creation of the church library. In addition, Dorothy was an aspiring singer who performed at several famed venues such as the Idora Park Ballroom and appeared at the Apollo in New York City.

She was an exceptional athlete, competing at a high level in several sports, such as track and field, jump rope tournaments and softball. She once said, “One of my proudest moments was when I received a trophy from the Ebony Sports Museum Hall of Fame for my accomplishments as a pioneer in women’s softball in Mahoning County.”

In her leisure, she devoted much of her time supporting the activities of her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed competitive bowling, singing, listening to a vast array of musical genres (especially, jazz, gospel and classical) and was a lifelong Cleveland Browns / Cleveland Indians devotee.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Debra Louise Harris; two sons, Mitchell Harris (Debra Benford) and Darryl Harris; daughter-in-law, Izora Harris; as well as grandchildren, William Pitre (Nicole), Mitchell Harris II (Ilham Mezyan), Darryl Harris Jr., Ryan Harris (Stacey) and Chandler Thomas Harris; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three sisters, Sara Belle Walker, Loretta Rutledge and Marianne Moorman; and three brothers, James “Jimmy” Walker, Raymond Walker and Edward “Harlie” Walker.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private only memorial will be held Thursday, July 9, 2020. No repast to follow. Social distancing will be upheld. Seating will be limited to family, and you will be required to wear a mask before entering the building.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Third Baptist Church, 1177 Parkhill Drive, Youngstown, OH 44502, attn: Special Projects, in memory of Dorothy W. Harris.

The F.D. Mason Memorial Funeral Home Inc. has been granted the honor to serve the family.

(special notice)