Celebrating The Life of Thelma Elaine (Lawson) Harris

" May The Life I Lived, Speak for Me "

Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Thelma Elaine (Lawson) Harris. A woman of impeccable character and great integrity.

Thelma was born and raised in Stillwater, Oklahoma. She was the third child of fourteen, born to Edward Eugene Sr. and Vera Mae Lawson on March 10, 1946.

Growing up in Stillwater, she attended the first African American school there. (Booker T. Washington). She furthered her education when she moved to Tulsa at the Tulsa Junior College where she received a certificate in early childhood development.

Thelma had many jobs, but her career was at the Tulsa Community
Action Agency-Headstart Program where she worked from 1975-1998.

Thelma met and married her husband Justin Emmitt Earl Harris in Tulsa in 1978. She was the mother of  six children, nine great grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. But she was a mother figure to many others who called her" Moma Laine", "Ms. Thelma", or "Moma Harris".  Many people enjoyed just talking with her. She always try to impart some type of wisdom in all she spoke with.

While living in Tulsa she met two very dear friends that she later said where more like her sisters than friends.  Thelma Towers and Erma Landrum were her dear sisters for more than over 40 years.

Thelma really loved to praise our Creator. She often would say, "Ok you've already prayed, now praise Him"!  She was a devout member of Higher Dimension Ministries under the leadership of, as she would say, " Her Pastor Bishop Carlton D. Pearson ".  She served as a faithful usher there for many years.  She later started worshipping at Greater Grace Ministries under the leadership of Dr. Donald Tyler when she was called home to be with her Creator.

She leaves to cherish her memory her 6 children: Teri S. Ford (Kenneth Sr.) of Jacksonville, Florida; Shelia Collett of Norman, Okla; Derrick D. McDonald of Washington, D.C.; Tonalita McCollum (Reginald) of Tulsa; Tresheena Hall (Christopher) of Tulsa; and Yurana R. of Plano, Texas.  9 grandchildren: Kenneth Jr, Durell, Terrell, Tania, Erica, Joseph, Takiya, Jalen, and Taraji. 2 great-grands: Laila Grace and Khalil Wesley.

Her Sisters: Loyce N. (Lynn); Karolyn M. (Raymond); Vera Jean; Connie L; and Shemetrice D.

Her Brothers: Edward E. Jr. (Chloe); Authur S. (Patricia); Donnie L.; Curtis D. (Clara); and Rodney A. (Quishon), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Services for Ms. Thelma Harris will be Saturday January 12, 2018 at 10AM at Greater Grace Church in Tulsa.

Friends may visit Ms. Harris on Friday from 1PM until 7PM in The Tulsa Chapel.