Mary Elizabeth (Harris) Davis

Mary Elizabeth Harris Davis was born on January 5, 1941. She was the eldest daughter of Albert Harris Junior and Francena Bannister Harris. Mary attended the public schools of Columbia, South Carolina where she graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1960. After the death of her brother Albert Harris III, her father moved the family from Columbia, SC to Philadelphia, PA. There, Mary attended Philadelphia Bible College and Philadelphia Community College where she met Wilson Harris. To this union, one child was born, Odetta Caprice, who preceded Mary in death in 2002. Wilson also preceded Mary in death. 

In Philadelphia, Mary joined Holsey Community Methodist Episcopal Church (CME). After being a member of Holsey, Mary moved her membership to Ruffin Nichols African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME). At Ruffin Nichols, Mary worked diligently and tenaciously throughout the entire annual conference from Philadelphia to New York. Mary served as the Director of the Board of Christian Education, Choir President, Chair of the Trustee Board and Youth Choir Director. 

In 1968, Mary met and married Solomon Davis. In 1978, Mary and ‘Sol’ relocated the family to Albany, Georgia. In Albany, Mary was a member of Bethel CME Church where she served as Youth Choir Director, Director of the Board of Christian Education, Vice President of the Missionary Society and Treasurer of the Stewardess Board Member II. 

Due to her husband’s failing health, Mary relocated the family to Cairo, Georgia in 1980. In Cairo, Mary became a member of Bethel CME Church. There, Mary served as Secretary for the Adult Choir, Director of the Board of Christian Education, Vice President of the Missionary Society and Director of the Community Choir.

After Solomon’s death in 1984, Mary heeded her mother’s advice and relocated the family to Columbia, South Carolina. In Columbia, Mary joined Community CME Church where her mother Francena was already a faithful member. At Community, Mary served in the following positions: Secretary of the Usher Board for 3 years, Director of the Board of Christian Education for 5 years, President of the Trustee Board for 4 years, President of the Missionary Society for 4 years and President of the Community CME Adult Choir for 5 years. Until her death, Mary served as Director of the Children’s Youth Choir. Mary loved children as evidenced by her occupation. In Columbia, Mary was self-employed as a multiple birth technician for 12 years. She took pride in the fact that her services came highly recommended.

Mary loved serving the Lord, working in her church and helping anyone who needed assistance. Her favorite Bible Verse was Philippians 4:13…. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Mary wanted everyone to know that “God has ALWAYS BEEN good in providing everything she needed when she needed it to do His work.” Mary loved to write poetry and had a great love for all music. She loved decorating and being creative whether doing arts and crafts to planning and organizing weddings. She always wanted her light to shine through in all that she did. Mary enjoyed orchestrating programs for the church’s fundraising. She won 1stplace 4 times for the highest amount raised for Family and Friends Day and came in 2ndplace twice.  

Mary leaves to mourn her passing 10 children (9 living): Jennifer A. Mofield (Lewis) of Columbia, SC; Maruice Harris (Angela) of Philadelphia, PA; Odetta C. Harris (deceased); Marcus L. W. Harris of San Diego, CA; Jowana F. Wylie (LaMark) of Fayetteville, NC; Kimberly Shadiyah Amin (Naim) of Columbia, SC; Fredericka S. Roseborough (Bernard) of Fort Loudon, PA; Letisha J. Davis of Columbia, SC and Justin A. Hall of Columbia, SC; a brother, Albert Harris III (Deceased); one sister, Barbara Jean Coffee(deceased) (Acorn) Deceased; a brother Raymond Harris (Emily) of Philadelphia, PA; 19 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, a host of loving nieces and nephews and a myriad of children from the neighborhood whom she adopted. 

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