Life Reflections of

Sister Nanette Harris

November 9, 1943 ~ August 9, 2013

Nanette Harris affectionately known as “Puchie” and “Aunt Nannie” by family was born on November 9, 1943, in Pioneer, Louisiana. She was the fourth child to Clarence and Artee Auston. In 1962, Nanette graduated from Magnolia High School in Pioneer, LA. Nanette grew up in a loving Christian family and confessed to Christ at an early age at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Pioneer, LA.

After moving to Los Angeles, in the early ‘60s, she joined Holy Rock Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend L.L. Johnson. There she attended services faithfully. Not always feeling well at times, she would continue to press her way to services and just sit in the church parking lot ��" talk about dedication! For many years, she was a member of the Adult Choir, Pastor’s Aide and Women’s League. She served as the Church Secretary for over 45 years. Because of her diligent work with the youth, she started and was the Director of the Vacation Bible School (VBS) at the Holy Rock for over 45 years until her health began to fail. Her favorite song was “He Sweet I Know”.

Also in Los Angeles, Nanette began working several jobs, but with a passion for doing hair, Nanette went to school to become a license cosmetologist. The hairstyle she was best known for was the “Jerri Curl”.

Nanette and Richmond Harris were married in Holy Matrimony and to this union La Trale and Phyllis were born. Nanette was always involved with her children and their education. She volunteered at 107th Street Elementary, Samuel Gompers Jr. High School, and Locke High School. At these schools she joined the PTA and took on the position of being the Secretary. Nanette was later hired and worked at Locke High School until she retired in 2010.

Nanette enjoyed cooking. She catered meetings, parties and other small events. What she enjoyed most was preparing different dishes for the events at the church and fellowshipping with her Brothers and Sisters in Christ. She was definitely known for her baking skills. Her most popular cakes were her Lemon Jell-O and Pound cakes. Our family’s yearly special treat was her banana pudding. Sewing was also one of her many talents. She enjoyed making many of her own and children’s outfits.

Nanette “Mama Harris” was a devoted, loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. Loved by everyone young and old, Nanette was generous, extremely supportive and protective of her church and family. She did whatever she could to help her community from feeding the hungry to housing those in need. She enjoyed giving a helping hand and was a true pillar of peace. Mamma Harris, being a mother to everyone who came her way could not tell anyone no. With a patient kind of love, she had a unique way of making you feel special. When she became ill her light continued to shine. Always greeting those who came to visit her with a heartfelt smile, she never complained. She fought a good fight, staying strong until the end. Her sound advice and loving guidance will forever be missed.

Friday, August 9, 2013, God called his faithful servant home and said, “Your house is in order now, you have suffered long enough, now it’s time for you to come on up and get your crown thou good and faithful servant.” Many have come to know of the Lord by the example of the life she lived. May her memory live on inside of us, because now she’s with her Savior and “He Sweet I Know.”

Nanette was preceded in death by her father and mother, Clarence and Artee Auston; her oldest sister and brother, Salliette Johnson and Charles Dixson; and her youngest brother Donald Ray Austin.

Nanette leaves to cherish her precious memories, two daughters, La Trale (Timothy) Cooper and Phyllis Harris of Los Angeles; six grandchildren: Tranelle, Makayla, Anthony and Kenneth of Los Angeles, Destiney and Wayne “Allen” Jr. of Los Angeles; one godson Anthony Smith of Hamton, VA; one sister Beaulah Moss of Los Angeles; four brothers: Samuel (Bobbie) Nibblett, Frank (Beatrice) Auston of Los Angeles, Jessie (Ruthie) Auston of Louisiana, Leroy (Sharon) Austin of Oceanside, CA; two sisters-in-law, Davina Austin of Inglewood, CA and Dorothy Dixson of San Bernadino, CA; one brother-in-law Rev. Lehman Johnson of Los Angeles; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, other loving relatives and friends. She also leaves to cherish her memory a very special friend and Sister in Christ, Evangelist Phyllis Wheaton.