Phyllis G. Harris Obituary (1945 - 2015)

Phyllis Geneva Bowie Harris was called home on August 12, 2015. She was born on June 28, 1945, to Russell Lyles and Bernadine Bowie Helms who, along with her stepfather, James C. Helms, Sr., preceded her in death. Phyllis attended Poolesville High School and was blessed to share her gift of music by playing piano at her home church, Bells Chapel UMC, where she maintained lifetime membership. She also played at several other churches in the Frederick area. Phyllis later became an associate member at Jackson Chapel UMC. She worked for IBM Food Services, was employed as a teacher's aide with FCPS and she was a daycare director in Poolesville, MD until she opened her home daycare. She was an avid Orioles fan and was a friend and "Grandmother" to many in the neighborhood. She participated in the Neighborhood Watch and was an active member of the Point of Rocks Women's Club. She enjoyed crocheting, word find puzzles and listening to WHUR. She was devoted to God, family and home. Phyllis is survived by her husband, the love of her life of 52 years, Atlee Jennings Harris, Sr.; children, Atlee J. Harris, Jr. (Cathy), Angela Fossett (David), Arnold Harris (Michele), and Alan Harris; grandchildren, Atlee J. Harris, III, Jennifer Harris, Brittany Richards, David and Maya Fossett, Sarah, Alivia and Alex Harris, Kristina, Josh and Brandon Miller, and Tyler, Ryan and Hunter Barger; great grandchildren, Owen Harris, Reggie Blue, and Jazmine White; siblings, Alfred T. Helms (Marcia), Hillary E. Brown, Brenda A. Claytor (Elliot), and James C. Helms, Jr. (Patricia); loving sisters/brothers-in-law, Ruth Ambush, Doris Pittman (Sendry), Mary Harris, Faye Long (Bill), Harold Harris, and Noble Harris; and a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends. The family also wishes to acknowledge their extended family for whom Phyllis had much love: Robert, Carmen, Justin and Jeremy Hawkins and Marianne Clemmer. Services will be held on Weds., Aug. 19, 2015, at Jackson Chapel UMC with Pastor Rex R. Bowens, Sr. and Certified Lay Minister David Fossett, I officiating. Visitation begins at 9 a.m., Family Hour starts at 10 a.m., and the Homegoing Celebration Service is at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Bells Chapel UMC, Dickerson, MD.