WHEREAS, Deborah Ann Cradle Harris, a loving wife and mother, a devoted sister and friend, a woman of great faith, and a person whose love for life and the people around her was all-embracing, passed away on November 20, 2011; and WHEREAS, a native of Newport News, Deborah Harris graduated from Huntington High School and remained active in the school's Alumni Association; she also attended business school and Norfolk State University; and WHEREAS, Deborah Harris both worshipped and worked at her beloved Abyssinia Baptist Church, where she was church secretary for more than 40 years; in addition to her work, she sang in various choirs and participated in the Usher Ministry and the Missionary Ministry; and WHEREAS, Deborah Harris also was a Deaconess and member of the Hospitality Club at Abyssinia Baptist Church; her faith expressed itself in numerous ways, including countless acts of service that are remembered with deep appreciation; and WHEREAS, over the years, many people flocked to Deborah Harris's house, which was a center of activity in her neighborhood; children enjoyed spending time there, and she cared deeply for the people of her community; and WHEREAS, in addition to her love of gardening, Deborah Harris enjoyed her membership in Kenyatta's Social & Civic Club and the fellowship she found there; her many friends also recall her love of shopping, jewelry, music, and dancing; and WHEREAS, those who remain to cherish Deborah Harris's memory are her husband of 44 years, Thomas; her daughters, Renee and Andrea, and their families; her parents, Thomas and Mary James; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of a woman who was devoted to her family, her friends, her church, and her community, Deborah Ann Cradle Harris; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Deborah Ann Cradle Harris as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her memory. |