Deborah Ann Harris

Deborah Ann Harris, a radiant beacon of kindness, love, and strength. Born on December 6, 1956, in South Bend, IN, she was a proud and passionate resident of her hometown for all her 66 years. Her life was a testament to dedication and service, profoundly impacting countless lives during her remarkable career as a special needs teacher in the South Bend Community School Corporation. Her hobbies, including playing softball and shopping, brought her immense joy and further revealed her vibrant spirit. Undoubtedly, her legacy of love and service will ripple through the generations. Deborah was a woman of many talents, and she never shied away from embracing them. She attended John Adams High School, and later earned her associate degree at Vincennes College.

Deborah met the love of her life, Michael Harris Sr., and in 1978, the two were joined in marriage. They were married for 44 years and to their union bore two sons, Michael Jr. and Paul Harris. She was employed as a CNA at Cardinal Nursing Home, a job that cultivated her natural compassion. Deborah then transitioned to teaching special needs children, a role she filled with grace and empathy. She was also a girls basketball coach at Darden Elementary School, inspiring young athletes with her passion and resilience. Beyond her professional pursuits, Deborah was a model with Unique Boutique, adding a touch of glamour to her repertoire of skills. Yet, despite her many accomplishments, what mattered most to her was family. Deborah enjoyed every holiday by decorating, Arts and Crafts with the kids and celebrating any big event like birthdays.

Deborah is survived by her devoted sons, Michael and Paul Harris of South Bend, IN; her brothers, Claudis and Cubie Jones of Los Angeles, CA, Ralph (Quanita) Jones of Milwaukee, WI, Raymond Jones of Indianapolis, IN; her sisters, Doris (Riven) Sam, Evelyn Jones both of Indianapolis, IN, Linda (James) Holmes of Alabama, Barbara Jones of South Bend, IN, and Patricia (James) Rice of Orlando, FL; her sister in-laws, Diane (Danny) Williams, Linda Harris, her adored 7 grandchildren, Hope, Arman, Khloey, Isabella, Alyssa, Karis, and Paul Jr. She was excitedly anticipating the arrival of her first great-grandchild. Deborah was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Michael Harris Sr., her parents, Roosevelt and Lois Jones, her siblings, Leo Jones, Catherine Denise Glover, Iona Mae Johnson and Burnett Hursey, and her nephews, Roosevelt and Lawrence Hursey. 

A service to honor and celebrate Deborah's life will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 12:00 pm at Alford's Mortuary, 1222 Napier Street, South Bend, Indiana. We invite everyone whose life was touched by Deborah to join us in remembering and celebrating her extraordinary life. Please feel free to leave any memories, stories, or photos on her memorial page as a tribute to her incredible journey.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deborah Ann Harris, please visit our floral store.