Juanita Francis Harris

Juanita Francis Harris was born to Travis and Nancie Jackson, on July 18, 1931, in Bay City, Texas, and received her wings on Sunday, September 29, 2019, in Katy, Texas. She was affectionately known as Momma, Granny, Nita, Harris and Mrs. Harris. She was educated in the Bay City Schools and moved to California in the 1940’s. While in California, she attended Long Beach City College and graduated from the Licensed Vocational Nurse Program. She was a member of Christ Second Baptist Church in Long Beach, California, for over 50 years.

Juanita retired, in 1996, from Long Beach Veterans Administrative Hospital after working over twenty-five years. Her daily routine while working started with an early morning rise, black coffee, a cup of water with ice, the Long Beach Press Telegram and a seat at her kitchen table. Then at Noon, she started watching “All My Children”, “One Life to Live”, and “General Hospital” before leaving the house at 2:55 pm to start her 3:30 work shift.

Juanita was a proud member of the Elks Lodge. She was always excited to attend the yearly “Red and White Ball”. Her days were spent fishing, gardening, reading and watching Western’s in her favorite chair. In her leisure time we could find her playing Spades, drinking a glass of Cranberry juice and Absolute Vodka, with a pack of Benson & Hedges cigarettes. On many occasions she was known to go to the Naval Shipyard to play Bingo.

Juanita not only raised her 5 children alone, she also made many sacrifices for her entire family and friends. She was a mother, grandmother, mentor, confidante and close friend to many she encountered. She was known for speaking her mind. 1343 West Cameron Street will always be the family home. On any given day, we could stop and see the majority of the family. On holidays, this was the place to go to for food, fun, and love.

Juanita leaves to celebrate her life, daughter, Wendorlyn Lory (Mark) Duncan, of Katy, Texas; Edmund Dwayne (Bridget) Carr, of Long Beach, California; Darryl Kevin (Linda) Harris, of Gardena, California; Robert Lee (Nadine) Harris II, of Long Beach, California; and Reginald Andre (Monique) Harris, of Long Beach, California.

She leaves to cherish her memories, two sisters, Lillie Mae Young, of Bay City, Texas and Barbara White, of Bay City, Texas; and two brothers, Travis (Phyllis) Jackson Jr, of San Antonio, Texas and Al Jackson, of Long Beach, California. Her parents, Travis and Nancie (Smith) Jackson and her youngest sister, Marilyn Jackson, met her at Heaven’s gate.

She also leaves behind a host grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close family friends.