Almeta Sterling Harris

Honoring the Life of Almeta

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She had a passion for children and helped shape the young minds of over a thousand children until she retired in 1994.

Almeta Sterling Harris was born on Thursday, October 3, 1929, in Bryan, Texas, to the union of Oscar and Elizabeth Sterling. Almeta was the middle child of nine children. She spent her teenage years in Northern California, attending Berkley High School. Having a strong drive and desire for education, she worked her way through college and graduated from Houston Tillotson University with a Bachelors Degree in Liberal Arts.

Almeta married Learon Cliff Harris,Sr. in 1953 and they relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where her daughter (Marvina Marie) and her son (Learon Jr.) were born.

In Columbus, Mrs. Harris (as she was professionally known), began a life-long career establishing herself as an excellent and beloved educator. She would only teach 2nd grade - not 1st grade - not 3rd grade... 2nd grade!!! In 1965, Mrs. Harris continued her career with the Compton Unified School District in Compton, California. She had a passion for children and helped shape the young minds of over a thousand children until she retired in 1994. After retirement, she continued teaching as an Adult Instructor for ESL (English Second Language) Classes.

Almeta began her Christian journey at a very young age. She was serious about her walk with the Lord. If you ask her how she was doing, she would reply, "by God's Grace!" She was a faithful member of Hillside Fellowship Church in Corona, California for many years, sharing her love for the Lord with many. She always spoke highly of her church and Pastor, Al Hogue.

Her talents were many - Sewing, Quilting, Crocheting, Pottery, Painting, Gardening and Cooking. Believe it or not, she excelled at them all.

Many will miss our Nana's beautiful smile, vibrant personality, and no-nonsense demeanor. A gifted and classy woman who lived through 16 presidents. She experienced Encyclopedias and Wikipedia - Letter mail and E-mail - Hi-Fi and WiFi! She also had a special holiday tradition that she passed down through the generations. To this day, Nana is the reason why our family will not open gifts on Christmas morning until we put on Nat King Cole's, THE CHRISTMAS SONG - "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire..."

Nana leaves to carry on her dynamic legacy - Marvina "Cooky" Levy (Ronald); Learon C. Harris Jr.; Ronald II (Rose); Aaron (Erica); Jonathan (Nicole); Daniel; Ronald III, Eileen (Colin); Faith, Naomi, Trinity; and Little Micah (The Great Great Grandson!); Judy and Doris Sterling (Sisters In-Love). 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation Nieces and Nephews will cherish the love and wisdom she shared.

A LOVING THANK YOU TO -

Pastor Dunn for supporting throughout this ENTIRE journey / Audrey Christine for being EVERYTHING to mom / Tina for always getting mom's mail / Elaine for coaching mom's

creativity / Doreen and Phil for loving friendship / Sharon a neighbor extraordinaire / Anne Kimball for God-given friendship to Marvina / Liberty Senior Care and their courageous caregivers / Monica, Amanda and Beehive Homes of Edgewood, New Mexico for an indescribable "peace" during mom's transition / Tory and Enchanted Sky Hospice for your special care / Every thought, card, prayer, call, text, encouraging word, all the great food, beautiful plants and flowers / Thank you to a wonderful village of love in California and New Mexico.