Sarah Laverne Harris

MOOREVILLE – Sarah Laverne Harris, 84, passed away Monday, April 1, 2024, at the Baptist Memorial Hospital in New Albany. She was born March 1, 1940, in the Shiloh community of Itawamba County to Bondie and Effie Montgomery Green. She attended Mooreville High School before entering the workforce. Over the years, she worked for various companies including Tupperware, American Greetings, and Sam’s Club. On November 19, 1965, Sarah married the love of her life, Robbie Harris. Almost the entire first year of their marriage was spent apart, as Robbie served overseas in Vietnam, but their love remained strong as they exchanged letters endlessly. Four years later, Sarah began her role as a loving mother when she and Robbie welcomed their first-born son into the world, Eddie Harris of Mooreville, MS. To complete their family, three years later, a sweet baby girl was born, Derenda Harris Abel of Mooreville, MS.

Sarah was a long-time member of the Union Grove Church of God of Prophecy where, throughout the years, she served in many leadership roles, including VLB Leader and Women’s Missionary Leader. Most notably, however, Sarah served as the Preschool Sunday School Teacher, where she strived to instill strong Christian values into her students, including altar time and in giving of offerings each and every Sunday morning. Known throughout the region for her strong alto voice, Sarah was a true worshipper who always kept a song in her heart. In her younger years, she sang with her sister, Sue, as well as with The Hill Family and John Harris Family. Throughout her life, her love for her Savior never faded, and she continued to sing of His love and faithfulness until she drew her final breath.

Everyone who knew Sarah knows just how much she loved gardening. From irises to tomatoes and everything in between, Sarah spent countless hours tending to her gardens, with the help of her devoted husband. She was a proud member of the Old South Iris Society, through which she won several awards for her beautiful irises. Her labor of love for her vegetable garden was evident in the bountiful harvest she reaped every year. From the garden to the kitchen, Sarah will always be remembered for her perfectly fried okra and homemade biscuits and gravy and perfectly smooth mashed potatoes.

Though Sarah loved music and gardening, Sarah’s favorite role was that of Mamaw. Sarah treasured every moment she spent with her grandgirls, Logan and Lindy Abel, both of Mooreville, MS. She never turned down their requests for butter beans, candied yams, or chicken casserole. She thoroughly enjoyed playing a game with them and others that might join in on any given occasion.

Her funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at Union Grove Church of God of Prophecy with Bro. Rob Abel, Bro. Ryan Napolo, and Bro. Billy West officiating.  Graveside services will follow at Union Grove Cemetery with Bro. Tim Winters speaking.  McNeece-Morris Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Robbie Harris; her son, Eddie Harris; her daughter, Derenda Abel (Rob); and two brothers, Carlton Green and Paul Green (Charlotte), all of Mooreville; two granddaughters, Logan Abel and Lindy Abel; a future grandson, Zach Poindexter; and two adopted granddaughters, Erin and Avery Lambert.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bondie and Effie Montgomery Green; two sisters, Mary Lee White and Sue Stegall; and one brother, James Green.

Pallbearers will be Terry Green, Perry Stegall, Keith Seaton, Jason Green, Josh Green, Jonathan White, Kevin Roberts, and John Young, Sr.

Honorary pallbearers will be Carl Proctor, Greg Lambert, John Young, Jr., Harland Lundy, Barry West, Darrel Grimes, Chris Reynolds, and the late Carlos Reynolds.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, and from noon until service time Thursday, April 4, at Union Grove Church of God of Prophecy.