Irene Harris, 87, of Newport News, Virginia, passed on April 29, 2023. Irene was born on November 23, 1935.Irene M. Harris

Irene Maria Harris entered eternal rest on Saturday, April 29, 2023. Born on November 23, 1935 to the late Ruth Jarvis Banks and Delbert Banks, Irene grew up in what was then called Warwick County and, today, Newport News. "Mickey," as family and friends affectionally knew her, attended school in the Newport News Public School System. She graduated from George W. Carver High School.

On August 14, 1953, Irene married the love of her life and childhood sweetheart, William Moton Harris. They had been married for almost 49 years at the time of his passing in June 2002. From this union, William and Irene raised four children.

As the matriarch of the Jarvis clan, Irene dedicated her life to her family. She enjoyed family gatherings, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, when she made her world-famous Milky Way Cake. Remaining faithful to her core family values, Irene constantly promoted family unity. She actively participated in the Jarvis Family Reunion Committee. Irene was a great storyteller and took great pleasure in reminiscing about various family events and people. As a result, she was an excellent resource for capturing family history and continuing the legacy of the Jarvis family.

At the time of her passing, Irene was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church under the pastorate of Bishop Howard E. Heard. She spent most of her life as a member of New Beech Grove. Subsequently, she had the opportunity to serve diligently under the leadership of New Beech Grove's founding Pastor, Reverend James Farmer, as well as all successive pastors. Her love for the Lord and New Beech Grove was evident in her years of faithful service to the church. She participated in various ministries throughout the years, including the Deaconess Board, Sunday School, Bible Study, Choir, and Missionary. In 1972, she held the position of New Beech Grove Church Clerk and, in 1976, was appointed to the New Beech Grove Trustee Board. With that appointment, she made history, becoming the first woman to serve on the Board.

During her tenure as a Trustee, she held two positions, Financial Secretary and Chairperson. Demonstrating her commitment to expanding New Beech Grove, she served as a Phase II Building Committee member. One of her lifelong dreams was to be a secretary, and in 1993, her dream came true when New Beech Grove hired her as the Church Secretary. She retained that position until her retirement in 2000. Even as a mature adult, she continued active participation in the church by participating with the Matured Adults Ministry and as a member of the Church History Committee.

In addition to her love of God, family, and church, Irene enjoyed basketball, bid whisk, dining at fine restaurants, and bowling. She and her husband, William, spent many years in the New Beech Grove bowling league.

Although she experienced disappointments, including the loss of her husband and son William, her life continued to be richly blessed. She often praised God for His love, grace, and mercy towards her. When asked about her favorite scripture, she would reply it is Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This scripture was the guiding principle for her life.

Irene will always be remembered as a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, relative and faithful friend. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, William Moton Harris, and her son, William Delbert Harris.

She leaves to cherish her memory one daughter, Cheryl Patrice Harris Sutton (Adrian), of Newport News; two sons, Eric Lamont Harris (Barbara) of Wimauma, FL and Andrew Donald Jones (Melanie) of Newport News; a Special Sister, Hattie Mae Camp of Newport News; a Special Daughter, Lisa Henderson (Don); four Sister-in-Laws, Gladys Evans, Jennie Campbell, and Javonne Harris all of Newport News and Marion Green of Alabama; nine grandchildren, Chernise Jirene Harris of Newport, Adrian Daniel Sutton (Amanda), Aaron Michael Sutton (Chrisha) and

Alan Emmanuel Sutton of Kentucky, Alicia LeAnne Dawkins-Taylor (Charles) of Gibsonton, FL, Ramon Jamal Harris and Devin Lamont Harris both of Wimauma, FL, Mason Isaiah Jones and Kendall Aundrea Jones both of Newport News; thirteen great grandchildren, Jada Denny, Mayonna Sutton, Jayon Sutton, Braylon Sutton, Carter Sutton, Alanah Kay Sutton, Desmond Isaiah Sutton and Sakura Amelia Sutton, all of Kentucky, Tre'Shaun Demari Taylor and Jasmene Alysia Taylor of Gibsonton, FL, Aubree Harris of Locust Grove, VA, Vaughn Wolf Harris of Johnson City, TN and Khaleesi Zhane Harris of Tampa, FL, a special great-granddaughter, Vittoria Grace Paronuzzi of Newport News, a special paternal cousin, Delores Terry of Oregon and a host of other relatives and friends.

Viewing will be held on Monday, May 8, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, Va. 23607. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at New Beach Grove Baptist Church, 361 Beechmont Drive, Newport News, VA. 23608. Interment will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park.