Obituary of Jerome Harris

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In Loving Memory of Jerome Harris

A ray of light shone brightly in Rochester, New York on July 30, 1956, when Jerome (Ray Ray) was born to Luisa and Ethel Mae Harris. He was the youngest of six children. “Ray Ray” accepted Christ at a very young age at the Holy City, Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late pastor, Dr. General G. Gary.  At the Holy City church, “Ray Ray” played lead guitar for the youth choir. He also joined the church junior usher board.

“Ray Ray” attended Susan B. Anthony, School No. 27, and Chester Dewey, School No. 14 for his elementary years and went on to attend and graduate from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1975.

In 1967, he became the lead guitar player for the Psych and Movement Band.  “Ray Ray” continued playing with the band until 1970. From 1990–1996, “Ray Ray” was a staff member in the Teen Center at the Chester Carlson YMCA in downtown Rochester. In 1997, he joined AmeriCorps (The Corporation for National and Community Service) located at the Monroe Community College Damon Campus. He worked numerous jobs during his lifetime, after completing his 1,700 service hours for AmeriCorps, he was hired in 1988, by the Rochester City School District as a Universal PreK paraprofessional. He had a passion for working with 3 and 4-year-olds. “Ray Ray” retired from the RCSD in 2018, after 20 years of service. He came out of retirement to work as a substitute para for a few more years, and subsequently, he went back into retirement.

“Ray Ray” recommitted his life to the Lord and was baptized after spending time in the Word and in fellowship with his friend Bishop Fowler. “Ray Ray’s” sister, Deborah, and other relatives were present to witness his baptism. He subsequently joined the First Church of God, 334 Clarissa Street, Rochester, NY. “Ray Ray” joined the church band and loved playing his guitar to the glory of God. He was a F.A.T. (Faithful, Available, and Trustworthy) member of First Church. He served in various capacities and was in regular attendance for the following ministries and services:

• Music Ministry
• Men’s Fellowship – Secretary
• Christian Education (Wednesday Evening)
• Sunday School
• Sunday Services
• Church Van Ministry – Driver
• Musician for the Wisemen and Bishop Fowler

“Ray Ray” partnered with Bishop Fowler in the Soul-Winning Ministry. He also assisted the Men’s Ministry in the distribution of food during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic along with Bro. Kenneth Lewis, Dec. Kevin Lewis, and Bishop Fowler. He was the epitome of a truly committed disciple of Christ and a loyal servant to the end. Bro Harris was well-loved by his First Church of God family!

He is preceded in death by his parents, Luisa and Ethel Mae Harris;

brother, Ira Glover (Detroit, MI); sisters, Evelyn Allen and Helen Lofton (Rochester, NY).

“Ray Ray’s” memory and legacy are cherished by his brother, Benjamin Harris (Tallahassee, FL); sister, Deborah (Jimmie) Eaton (Rochester, NY); and his special friends, Christopher Chandler, Lord Major Taylor and Wallace Thomas. He was also cherished by a loving host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He loved us all and he loved well…