Easter Lois Harris

Easter Lois Tidwell was born on May 16, 1938, in Okolona, Arkansas to the union of Willie Joe and Flora Ross Tidwell. She spent her childhood in Okolona and was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church where she professed her faith in Christ. After finishing up her primary schooling, Easter relocated to California, met and married her husband, William Harris III, and went on to secure her GED from Locke High School in Los Angeles. Her children were her life and she made several sacrifices to make sure that her children always had what they needed. She always wore a beautiful smile and would offer words of encouragement if she felt the person was in need. She gave her all to helping others by feeding the hungry, loving her neighbors, or providing shelter to those in a time of need. She not only “talked the talk”, she “walked the walk.” Easter has truly left her family a legacy of LOVE. For a number of years Easter raised her four children in Los Angeles until transitioning back to Okolona in 1984. In 1987, she moved to Arkadelphia and joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church. She preached kindness, respect of self and others. Easter was a faithful employee of Riverwood Nursing Home for several years. She possessed a strong work ethic, and gentle demeanor. One of her greatest joys was spending memorable moments with relatives both young and old. Her legacy of family togetherness, hospitality and community will live on in the hearts of her loved ones and friends. Her angelic face was always a portrait of serenity and composure. Her natural wit and humor could chase the chill from any room. On Sunday, January 13, 2013, in her 74th season of life she began her eternal celebration in a land that shall never grow old. Her passing shall be filled with rejoicing for a life well lived. It is a given that she lived a long life filled with love, joy and happiness. She gave her all to the Lord, and now is added to His great and blessed family in the world beyond our vision, a place not made by human hands, a place we call Heaven. Her life was the epitome of courage, love, and a deep abiding faith expressed by the many lives she touched. Her love and devotion was shared by four children: Gary (Denise) Harris of Woodbridge, VA, Esperanzia (Kenneth) Williams of Richmond, VA, Jerry (Erica) Harris of Sanford, FL, and Derrick (Nicole) Harris of Mesquite, TX; her step-children, Billy Ray Cooper of Las Vegas, NV, and Ramona Fobbs of Houston, TX; eighteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, one sister Shelia Tidwell of Arkadelphia, AR; and one aunt, Lillian Hayes of Los Angeles, CA. She also leaves a multitude of nieces, nephews, as well as other relatives and many, many friends. Mrs. Harris will lie in repose at the funeral home on Friday, January 18th from 12 noon until 5:00 p.m. The family will gather from 6:30 until 7:30 p.m. to receive friends. The Harris family invites friends and extended family members to share in the final tributes to her life on Saturday, January 19th at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Rev. Llewellyn E. Terry, Sr., will serve as the celebrant.