Michael A. Harris

It is with profound sorrow and a deep sense of loss that we announce the passing of Michael Andrea Harris, also fondly known as Mike, on October 21, 2023. Born in South Bend, IN, on December 25, 1956, Michael embraced life and its joys with open arms. An embodiment of humility and dedication, Michael left an indelible mark on every life he touched. A loving husband, father, brother and friend, his kindness, warmth, and thoughtfulness radiated in his every interaction, making him a beacon of love and compassion in his community.

At an early age, Michael accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and was baptized at Grace A.M.E. Zion Church where he attended through adulthood. He graduated from John Adams High School in 1975 and continued his education at Indiana University in Bloomington. His love of learning and helping others guided him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics. Michael graduated from Indiana University in 1981 and returned to South Bend to begin his work serving his community. He worked for several years for the Indiana Division of Family Resources (Welfare Department) before working for AIDS Ministries for over twenty years. Michael was admired by colleagues for his unwavering commitment and kind demeanor. He was known for his strong work ethic and the dedication he had to his patients. He ensured they were afforded every resource available to them. Additionally, Michael’s love for South Bend led him to work part time at The History Museum for more than twenty years where he was still employed at his time of death.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by two sisters, Gloria J. Harris, and Judith Ann Harris.

Michael leaves to cherish his memory, a loving wife of fifteen years, Cheryl Harris, one devoted daughter, Brittney Steed (Matt Wright) of South Bend, Indiana, one step-daughter, Lynnette Thomas of Pearland, Texas; two granddaughters, Alana Wright of South Bend, Indiana, Naomi Thomas of Pearland, Texas; three grandsons, Jaden Wright and Brayden Wright of South Bend, Indiana and Jeremiah Thomas of Pearland, Texas; four sisters, Carolyn White of Chicago, Illinois, Juanita Massie (Roger) of Springfield, Ohio, Karen Harris-Lax (Anthony) of South Bend, Indiana, Denise Harris-McMillan of Cincinnati, Ohio; one brother, Luther Harris of Lexington, Kentucky; six aunts, Faygene Cannady, Juanita Harris, Carol Powell and Sandra Davis all of South Bend, Indiana, Dorothy Harris and Alma Jeanne Harris both of Buchanan, Michigan; five uncles, Leon Davis, Jewell Davis and Chester Harris (Delores) of South Bend, Indiana, Eugene Davis (Eleanor) of Nashville, Tennessee, and Leonard Harris (Nancy) of Battle Creek, Michigan; a life-long friend, Vernon Gadson Jr of South Bend, Indiana and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

We invite you to share your memories and upload photos of Michael on his memorial page, as a tribute to a life so beautifully lived and a man so deeply missed. Let us come together to celebrate the life and legacy of Michael Harris, a man whose love and kindness will forever echo in our hearts.

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