Bill Text: IL SR0113 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the death of Auxiliary Bishop Napoleon "Bill" Harris Sr.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2023-03-10 - Resolution Adopted [SR0113 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2023-SR0113-Introduced.html

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SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened
to learn of the death of Auxiliary Bishop Napoleon "Bill"
Harris Sr.; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Harris was born to Frank Harris and Idella
Brown in Jackson, Mississippi on December 13, 1935; at a young
age, he was affectionately called "Billbo" by an aunt, and his
nickname was eventually shortened to "Bill"; he moved to
Chicago at eight years old; he received his primary education
within the Chicago Public Schools system; he attended DuSable
High School, where he excelled in his studies and was a cross
country runner on the track team; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Harris left high school early to join the
U.S. Air Force during the Korean War; he had one child before
he was stationed in Alaska for two and a half years; during his
service, he completed his high school studies and attended the
University of Alaska in Anchorage; he joined the Church of God
in Christ (COGIC); he then married Barbara Stephen, and their
union had five children; he concluded his military service
after approximately four years; and
WHEREAS, To provide for his growing family, Bishop Harris
worked at the U.S. Post Office, The Western Electric Company

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as a machine operator, a flour factory, a cab company as a
chauffeur, the Central Wax Paper Company, and the Chicago
Transit Authority (CTA) as a bus driver, occasionally working
two jobs; he also continued to pursue his education, enrolling
at the Dunbar Vocational High School to pursue a degree in
Design and Tailoring; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Harris began a new chapter in his life,
marrying Sherelene A. Robinson on February 7, 1966, and their
union had two children; he became community minded and was
involved in the civil rights movement; he earned his
bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Roosevelt
University while simultaneously working several managerial
positions for Department of Labor and the Department of Mental
Health at Madden Mental Health Center in Hines; he was
eventually promoted as director of the Rehabilitation Workshop
Programs; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Harris went on to obtain two master's
degrees in Public Administration and Theology Studies; he was
a civil servant for 30 years and concluded his tenure with the
State of Illinois as a regional business manager; upon being
awarded his master's degree in Public Administration, he
joined forces with the University of Illinois Hospital as a
health center and hospital administrator; and

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WHEREAS, Bishop Harris pursued his theology studies at the
Moody Baptist Institute–Chicago and the Logos Graduate College
in New York; he was ordained in 1974; he was also an avid
worker in the Jurisdictional Sunday School Department; he was
affiliated with The Reed's Temple COGIC, Penson Temple COGIC,
and Tabernacle COGIC before becoming a pastor in 1979; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Harris established The Community COGIC in
1979; along with his wife, Sherelene, they overcame racial
barriers, threats, and vandalism as the founders of the first
Black church in the Village of Hazel Crest; their church
remained in Hazel Crest for 27 years until it was moved to a
much larger property in Hammond, Indiana in 2007; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Harris' service extended beyond his local
church; he was appointed as a district superintendent and an
administrative assistant by Prelate Ocie Booker; he was
recommended for elevation to the episcopacy by Bishop Booker
in 2018; he was consecrated as an auxiliary bishop at the COGIC
Holy Convocation in St. Louis, Missouri in 2019; he also
served as a father figure to many young elders in First
Jurisdiction Illinois; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Harris enjoyed traveling and loved
celebrating his children's successes and contributions to
humanity; he will be remembered as a community leader, an

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advocate for education, and a man of faith; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Harris was preceded in death by his
parents; his brother, Sylvester Collins; his son, Napoleon
Harris Jr.; and his grandson, Shannon Smith; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Harris is survived by his wife of 57
years, Sherelene A. Harris; his children, Jamal (Gloria)
Akbar, Arlene Little, Derrick Harris, Keith (Vonda) Harris,
Steven (Evelyn) Harris, Jeraldyne (Anthony) Harris-Stimage,
and Jarrett (Joy) Harris; his daughter-in-law, Brenda Harris;
his bonus children, Charletta Little, Willa (Zachary)
Knighton, Mario Little, and Marco Little; his grandchildren,
Darell Hann, Jamil Hann, Jamal Akbar Jr., Jamillah Ellis,
Antonio Harris, Fernando Little, Reginald Little, Lonniece
Boone, Khiesha Boone, Shikar Boone, State Senator Napoleon B.
(Nicole) Harris III, Tomeika Anderson, Asia Thurston, Jonathan
Harris, Keisha Owens, Derek Hudson, Steven Harris Jr., Jonas
Harris, Quintin Harris, Ikea Harris, Marvin Simpson, Chariti
Phillips, and Hope Harris; his great-grandchildren; his
great-great grandchildren; his sister, Idella "Adell" Brown,
his sons in faith; his nieces, nephews, and cousins; his
friends; and his congregation of 42 years, The Community
COGIC; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL

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ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of
Auxiliary Bishop Napoleon "Bill" Harris Sr. and extend our
sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew
and loved him; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
presented to the family of Bishop Harris as an expression of
our deepest sympathy.