Obituary for Ernest Harris
Ernest Harris, avid fisherman and proud veteran of the United States Air Force, lived a life filled with laughter and love for 88 years. Affectionately known as Fish to many, Ernest peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home on Thursday, June 1, 2023.
Ernest was born in Camden, South Carolina on October 24, 1934, to the late Henry and Mary Jackson Harris. It was in Camden, at the tender age of five, Ernest was first introduced to fishing by his older brother, Herbert. He and Herbert would spend every free moment fishing at nearby creeks. Every fishing excursion was a joy for Ernest, even if he didn’t reel any in. The hunt and the anticipation of a sudden catch was exciting enough. Fishing developed into his favorite pastime and earned him the nickname Fish.
In his early teens, his family relocated to Atlantic City, New Jersey, and by the time he reached Sweet 16 he would reside in his forever hometown, Washington, DC. Washington, DC was also the place where he would meet his forever bride, Marlene McElveen. They married and would later raise their four children Cheryl, Stanley, Kenny and André in the Christian faith. These values remain in their children today and are creating a spiritual inheritance for their grandchildren and great grandchildren as well. Ernest was a faithful Christian and over the years held membership with Ebenezer Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Capitol Heights and Abundant Life Family Fellowship Church. He enjoyed singing in the choir and also serving as an usher.
Ernest was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene Harris, parents, one brother, Daniel Harris, three sisters, Luvenia Glenn, Bessie Jackson and Geneva Trusty as well as many sisters- and brothers-in-law. He leaves to celebrate his life, four children Cheryl L. McElveen, Stanley L. Harris (Doretha), Kenneth F. Harris, Sr. (Pamela) and André M. Harris, Sr. (Cecelia); six grandchildren André M. Harris, II, Kenneth F. Harris, II (Heidi), Jichele M. Sanders (Quentin), Briana M. Harris, Cierra J. Harris and Deandra L. Harris; one great-grandson Elliott Harris; one brother Herbert Harris; one sister Esther Harris Clemons; two brothers-in-law William McElveen, Sr. and Levern McElveen; five sisters-in-law Sarah Grant, Amy Burnette, Barbara Randall, Eva Little and Francine McElveen; two special son and granddaughter-like persons, Leonard Washington and Ebony Brooks, along with a host of other cousins, close relatives and friends.
Ernest was born in Camden, South Carolina on October 24, 1934, to the late Henry and Mary Jackson Harris. It was in Camden, at the tender age of five, Ernest was first introduced to fishing by his older brother, Herbert. He and Herbert would spend every free moment fishing at nearby creeks. Every fishing excursion was a joy for Ernest, even if he didn’t reel any in. The hunt and the anticipation of a sudden catch was exciting enough. Fishing developed into his favorite pastime and earned him the nickname Fish.
In his early teens, his family relocated to Atlantic City, New Jersey, and by the time he reached Sweet 16 he would reside in his forever hometown, Washington, DC. Washington, DC was also the place where he would meet his forever bride, Marlene McElveen. They married and would later raise their four children Cheryl, Stanley, Kenny and André in the Christian faith. These values remain in their children today and are creating a spiritual inheritance for their grandchildren and great grandchildren as well. Ernest was a faithful Christian and over the years held membership with Ebenezer Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Capitol Heights and Abundant Life Family Fellowship Church. He enjoyed singing in the choir and also serving as an usher.
Ernest was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene Harris, parents, one brother, Daniel Harris, three sisters, Luvenia Glenn, Bessie Jackson and Geneva Trusty as well as many sisters- and brothers-in-law. He leaves to celebrate his life, four children Cheryl L. McElveen, Stanley L. Harris (Doretha), Kenneth F. Harris, Sr. (Pamela) and André M. Harris, Sr. (Cecelia); six grandchildren André M. Harris, II, Kenneth F. Harris, II (Heidi), Jichele M. Sanders (Quentin), Briana M. Harris, Cierra J. Harris and Deandra L. Harris; one great-grandson Elliott Harris; one brother Herbert Harris; one sister Esther Harris Clemons; two brothers-in-law William McElveen, Sr. and Levern McElveen; five sisters-in-law Sarah Grant, Amy Burnette, Barbara Randall, Eva Little and Francine McElveen; two special son and granddaughter-like persons, Leonard Washington and Ebony Brooks, along with a host of other cousins, close relatives and friends.