Annie Bell Harris

Annie Bell Harris, a luminous soul born on February 2, 1941, in the heart of Vicksburg, Mississippi, departed this world on April 23, 2024. She graced our lives for 83 remarkable years, leaving behind a tapestry woven with love, commitment, and unwavering spirit. Throughout her life, Annie Bell embraced every moment with grace and fortitude, making indelible impressions wherever she went.

Annie Bell was not only a dedicated professional but a cherished member of her community. For many years, she lent her skills and compassion to the Water Ways Experiment Station, Trace Haven Nursing Home, and River Region Health, dedicating her career to serving others until her well-deserved retirement in 2009. Her vocation was a reflection of her heart; she was a nurturer at her core, embodying the very essence of kindness and dedication.

In addition to her professional journey, Annie Bell was a devoted member of the Eastern Star, finding joy and purpose in her involvement within this fraternal organization. Beyond work and formal affiliations, she cherished the relationships she built with her neighbors, referring to them as family. The warmth of the Gibson Road neighborhood, including the Carter, Terrell, Gary, Brown, Ringo, and Thomas Families, nourished her spirit and reaffirmed the bonds of community she held dear.

Annie Bell is survived by her five beloved children, whom she referred to as her “GIFTS FROM GOD.” Annette Kelly of Vicksburg, Velina Reynolds and her baby girl Carla Harris, both of Lewisville, Texas, and her two sons, Calvin Williams and Anthony Harris, also of Vicksburg, are testaments to her nurturing nature. Additionally, she welcomed an extra gift, Tammy Thomas of Keller, Texas, into her heart. This legacy of love extends to four bonus children, Mildred Ann Williams (Greg), Barbara Ann Harris, Cindy (Fred) McGee, and Michael Freeman, creating a rich tapestry of family that Annie cherished deeply.

Her family continues to grow through her nine grandchildren—Tammy Thomas, Will Thomas, LaShonda Thomas, Christopher Cox, Courtney Cox, Richard Thomas, LaQuale Harris, Chaddrick (A’beni) Farmer, and Ta’Zarius (Zykirah) Harris—and her eight great-grandchildren, Jada Howard, Kenidi Howard, Ta’Mya Thomas, Will Thomas, Jr., Shamarian Smith, Jaiden Thomas, ZaMarii Jones, Sali Harris, and Azrael Harris. She was blessed with a great-great-granddaughter, Omari Lauren Thomas, who will carry forth her memory. Annie Bell also embraced her godchildren, Barbara and Alice, along with the Williams family, and admired her host of nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

Annie Bell's journey of life was shadowed by profound loss. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Will Harris Jr., whose absence will be deeply felt by all who knew them together. She was welcomed into eternal rest by her parents, Colonel and Celeste Williams, Sr.; and three sisters, Catherine Johnson, Castine (Amos) Nash, and Elizabeth (Wallace) Williams; as well as Daisy (J.D.) Williams, and her three brothers, Tommy Williams, Colonel Jr., and Jack Williams.

As we gather to honor her remarkable life, we celebrate not only the profound legacy she leaves behind in her family and dear friends but also the indelible imprint she has made upon the hearts she touched. The visitation will commence on May 3, 2024, from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM at C J Williams Mortuary Center, located at 1625 Monroe Street, Vicksburg, MS, 39180. A funeral service to commemorate her life will take place the following day, May 4, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Zion Travelers Church, situated at 1701 Poplar Street, Vicksburg, MS, 39183.

Let us remember Annie Bell Harris as she would want us to: with love, gratitude, and unyielding fondness. May her spirit forever illuminate our hearts and guide us in our journeys ahead.