Rev. Arthur W. Harris, Sr.

August 8, 1923 - February 25, 2022

Reverend Arthur W. Harris, Sr., age 98, transitioned from life to eternal reward on Friday, February 25, 2022. Reverend Arthur W. Harris, Sr. was born in Efland, North Carolina on August 8, 1923, and raised in Durham, North Carolina. He was one of nine children born to the late Viola Ellison Harris and the late Reverend Arthur Walter Harris. Reverend Harris spent his formative years in Durham. He attended Hillside High School where he played on the football team and was affectionately known as “Wootsie”. He was co-captain of his football team. He relocated to New York with his wife, Mary Pike Harris, where he continued his education. Reverend Harris earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brooklyn College and a Master of Social Work degree from New York University. Reverend Harris served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1946. Reverend Harris worked professionally in the probation department in New York. As a social worker, he worked to improve the lives of those he served. He was employed at the New York State Division for Youth for 25 years. He served in the position of supervisor and also performed the work of a chaplain before retirement. Once he was ordained, he retired from the City and completely dedicated his life to his ministry. Reverend Harris co-founded the church, Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church, with his second wife, Frances P. Harris in 1970. He faithfully served as pastor for over 40 years. Reverend Harris dedicated his life to service. He spent much of his life doing what he loved, helping his community. His willing hand and spirit of service to his church, to his congregants and to his community exemplified his love for God. He practiced his faith in words and deeds. Reverend Harris entered into his eternal rest on February 25, 2022, at Northwell Health Stern Family Center, Manhasset, New York. Reverend Harris is preceded in death by his late wives, Mary Pike Harris and Frances P. Harris, his son Mark Harris, his daughter Pamela Harris, his five brothers, Cary Harris, Lonnie Harris, Melvin Harris, Henry Harris and Weldon Harris, and his sister Rosa Lee Carpenter. He leaves to cherish his memory three children Arthur Harris, Jr. (Rosa), Keith Harris and Constance Harris-Lennox; his brothers Sylvester Harris and Chester Harris; his nieces Barbara Harris, Sheila Noel, Kimyatta Harris and Michele Miles; nephews Antonio Harris and Algie Walker; grandchildren Sanaa, Jamal (Michelle), Amir, Edil, Rahiem, Aaron (Audrey), Felisha and Jamila; great grandchildren Ayana, Aaliyah, Nia, Joshua, Yves, Jase, Ayden and Sariah; and a host of relatives and friends. Funeral services to celebrate his life have been scheduled for Friday, March 11, 2022, at Scarborough & Hargett Celebration of Life Center, Inc., 309 N Queen Street, Durham, North Carolina 27701, at 12:00 noon, with viewing from 11:30 a.m. until 11:55 a.m. Reverend Arthur W. Harris, Sr. will be laid to rest in Beechwood Cemetery. In every effort to protect our families and their guests, face coverings are required. To view the Celebration of Life Service for Reverend Arthur W. Harris, Sr. through Zoom Live Stream: Please click the link below to join the webinar, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81677080689? Webinar ID: 816 7708 0689 Passcode: 315142