Sheila Marie Harris

Sheila Marie Harris transitioned from this life on Friday, February 7, 2025, while surrounded by her family in Hartford, CT.  The loving daughter of the late Robert Harris, Sr. and Eloise (Marshall) Harris; was born in Hartford, CT on February 3, 1953.  Her 72 years of life was defined by her selflessness and an undying love for God and family. Growing up on Garden Street, Sheila was the only girl, surrounded by her late brothers Robert Harris, Jr., William “Bill” Harris and her youngest brother, Joseph Douglas Harris of Charlotte, NC.  Sheila’s passion was writing short stories and plays; all of which had a positive faith-based message scripted into her lines and paragraphs. She wrote and directed three successful plays. At the closing of each play Sheila would make the statement: “Pizza is good, GOD IS GREAT!”

Sheila Marie Harris was the president of her Hartford Public High School class of ’71 and was admired as a prominent figure in her class. Her post high school journey continued as a student at Eastern Connecticut State University where she not only delved more into her passion for writing, but she was also dearly admired by other Eastern Connecticut State University friends/alumni, and they became each other’s extended family.  These friends continued to get together frequently, and they kept their loving and caring connections everlasting.

Sheila Marie Harris made connecting with family, friends and community the foundation for living. This was apparent with her work at The Willie Ware Center, The Boys and Girls Club of Hartford, Parker Memorial, and AFCAMP, all of which are non-profit community-based organizations. Sheila created a scholarship in the name of another dear late cousin, Winnie Renee, because she wanted to give something to a deserving college-bound student. Through her writing, she focused on creating opportunities to give back, especially to young people in the greater Hartford area.  

Sheila is lovingly remembered by her daughter Essence Perry (Rodney), her son Lewis Perry, her brother Joseph Douglas Harris, her grandson Marquís Little, and granddaughter Cincere Perry. Sheila’s loving nieces and nephews: Amber-Rani Payton (Jamerus), Ariel Roberson (Keith), Jarrett Harris, Jeffrey Dean Harris, Jerod Harris, Jason Herndon, Alexandra Harris, Javan Robinson (Diana), and George Harris. She also leaves to cherish her legacy her god-daughter Trinita Shade, a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins, close family and friends.

Zoom Link Topic: Celebration of Life and Legacy of Sheila Marie Harris (Perry) 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5926794321?omn=84045183412

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