Queen Esther (Neil) Harris was born on April 20,1925 in Memphis, Tennessee.
Mrs. Harris worked for the State of Michigan’s Treasury Department as a head cashier for over 23 years and retired at the age of 65. She was a licensed business owner of Queenie’s Bakery in Lansing where she made homemade cakes, rolls and other goodies. She has a sister, Rosie Stewart, and 2 daughters—Elizabeth “Ann” Hobson and Janet Johnson, 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grand children (1 grandson, deceased), a host of nieces, nephews, close friends and neighbors. Her husband, Forrest Harris, passed away on April 6, 2014.
She joined St. Paul COGIC when she first moved to Lansing, MI in 1955 and served under the former Elder Perry and Hazel Robinson, deceased. The church name was changed to Robinson Memorial COGIC and she worked under the leadership of her current Pastor and Superintendent Elder William Lee and First Lady Maxie Lee. She serves as a Senior Church Mother for the past 30 years. She has been active with the Usher Board, Pastor Aides, Home and Foreign Mission and Sunshine Band. She has also served on the Church Board Finance Committee and the Mother’s Board.
Her daughter Ann said, “Queen Esther is a “virtuous woman”. Her children, family and people that know her call her blessed, anointed and highly favored by God! She goes by the name of “Mother Dear” and is a natural born comedian. Mother Dear loves to “dress from head to toe” looking good all the time. She believes that when you’re looking good, you’ll feel good.”
On Thursday, April 30, 2015, Mrs. Harris celebrated her birthday at World Buffet and 65 people attended.
Mrs. Harris loves her family and church family. She loves helping people and those attending her recent birthday party told stories of appreciation. She always has an encouraging word and believes in paying her tithes faithfully. Even at her age now, she continues to attend church regularly.
She enjoys reading the Bible and newspaper daily. She also takes great pleasure in holding interesting conversations about current and international events. She knows how to use her computer and cell phone. She just stopped driving her car this past winter but still gets around.
Ann added, “She has much wisdom, knowledge and is a strong leader. She is a prime example on how women should carry themselves and be respected as a saint of God and servant!”
This article was printed in the May 17, 2015 – May 30, 2015 edition
