Jesse L. Harris 1934-2026

Jesse was born April 18, 1934, in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana, a son of Prentiss and Elberta Ford Harris. Jesse was reared in Forest Grove Community in Claiborne Parish with his siblings, Helen, Almeter, Hattie, Faye, Lurie and Charlie.

He attended Homer Colored High School.

He was a member of Forest Grove C.M.E. Church.

Jesse moved to Girard in 1952, where he stayed until May 7, 1955, when he married Carolyn A. Jones. To this union two sons were born, Jesse L. Jr. and Miazel (deceased).

Jesse moved his membership from Friendship Baptist Church in Girard to Tabernacle Baptist Church in 1956, under the pastorate of Rev. S.P. Phillips. His main saying was “It takes money to keep a church going and upkeep just like your home.”

Jesse worked with the Rayen Boosters Club for many years after their sons graduated. He was a lifetime member of the NAACP.

He worked for the Ohio Leather Company in Girard for 15 years. He was on the executive board, played with the basketball team and bowling league. He was hired from Ohio Leather by General Motors Lordstown in 1965. He worked on K22 and was a member of Local Union 1112, retiring in 1995 after 30 years of service.

Jesse loved sports. He bowled with several leagues and was a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Cavaliers fan. He was always there to support his wife, sons, family and friends.

Their son, nieces and nephew gave them a 70th wedding anniversary celebration at the Metroplex in May 2025. During his last days, he kept saying “I can’t wait to see God’s face.”

He leaves to mourn his passing, but to celebrate his life, his wife of 71 years, Carolyn; son, Jesse L. Jr.; granddaughter, Dominique Harris of California; nieces, Carolyn Seals, whom they partially raised, of Richmond, California, and Gwendolyn (Rodney) Cattledge of Columbus; siblings, Hattie Seals, Faye White and Charlie Harris, all of Youngstown; nephews, Phillip, Mark and Bernard Harris, all of Youngstown, Lurie Harris of Texas, Cedric (Melanie) Willis, Christopher Willis of Homer, Louisiana, Dennis (Noemi) Harris of Anaheim, California, and William (Candy) Jones of Canton; nieces, Barbara, Melinda, Regina, Julie, Brenda Willis and Betty Glass, all of Home, Louisiana, and Barbara Smith Carolyn (Anthony) Bryant of Columbus.

Joining him in his Heavenly home are his son, Miazel Harris; parents, Prentiss and Elberta Harris; brother, Lurie Harris; sisters, Catherine Harris, Helen D. Irby and Almeter Willis; and nephew, Dwyne Harris.

Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Tabernacle Baptist Church, 707 Tabernacle Blvd., (formerly 707 Arlington Ave.) Youngstown, OH 44510.

A Celebration of Life service will follow at 11 a.m.

Ministry of Comfort entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

(special notice)