Alfred B. Harris

Alfred B. Harris, one of 12 children, was born September 21, 1941, to the late Ernest and Mae Etta Ivy Harris, Sr. in Oxford, MS.

He accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized, and joined Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church. His primary education was received from Oxford city schools. When Alfred was of age, he enlisted in the United States Army. After basic training, he was stationed in Georgia but had to come home shortly after to care for his elderly parents.

In 1966, Alfred was united in matrimony to Wilma Barry and to this union five daughters were born. In the 1980s, he accepted his call to the ministry and began preaching God’s word. He was an Associate Pastor at his home church, Philadelphia, and the went on to become the pastor at Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Batesville, MS. He led the flock of Liberty Hill for several years until his health began to fail.

Alfred was self employed as an auto mechanic. When he wasn’t out in his yard working on someone’s car, one could find him piddling around outside tending to his dogs, sitting under the shade tree, or cutting the grass - he loved to be outside.

In his spare time, Alfred enjoyed hunting, watching Pastor Frank E. Ray preach the word of God, In the Heat of the Night, and laughing at Sanford & Son and Andy Griffith. His greatest past time was spending time with his grandchildren. He made sure they were self-sufficient and knew how to take care of and protect themselves. Alfred was a protector of his family, jokester, and definitely a child of God.

On Tuesday, January 18, 2022, Alfred answered his Master’s call one last time and passed away peacefully. He was surrounded by his family. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Left to cherish his memories are his children, Gwendolyn Harris, Annetta Harris both of Oxford, MS, Kimolyn Harris of Greenbelt, MD, Angelia Harris of Oxford, MS; a special nephew whom he raised as a son, Claude (Christine) Blake of St. Louis, MO; six grandchildren, Cortez (Angie) Harris of Memphis, TN, Quinndolyn Harris of Starkville, MS, Dennis Driver, Jr. of Memphis, TN, Alexus Driver of Oxford, MS, Keiona Harris of Greenbelt, MD, and Kylan Tumblin of Oxford, MS; six great grandchildren; special niece, Maxine Hill of Oxford, MS; special nephews, David (Shalonda) Hill of Starkville, MS and Bernard (Coralyn) Harris of Oxford, MS;  and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Alfred was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Harris; infant daughter, Aletha Harris; parents; all siblings, Ernest Albert, Jr., Walter, Elmer, Cardie, Kelly, James, Willie Mae, Alice, Dorothy, Florence, and Narvella Harris.