Clara Harris

After her many years of “waiting on the Lord” on April 3, 2025, the angels gracefully escorted Clara Mae Harris (101 yrs. old) to her brand-new home in glory. She was born on September 17, 1923, to George and Annie Mae Swaing of Pensacola, FL.

On August 7, 1944, she was united in marriage to Harry C. Harris, Sr., and nine years later from this union five children were born, Larrissa, Harriett, Harry, Vannissa and Illya (Eric).

She worked for 50+ years in the Knox City/County Schools System, and after retirement she spent her time volunteering in the Foster Grandparent program at Sam E. Hill school. She was an intense, devoted, spiritual woman and servant in the church. During her lifetime she served on many auxiliaries that included: Usher Ministry, Kitchen Ministry, Pastor’s Aid Ministry, Senior Choir Ministry and served on the Mother’s Board. She loved serving her community and neighbors in whatever capacity needed.  

She was preceded by her husband Harry C. Harris, Sr; her parents; George and Annie Mae Swaing; her sisters Lula Mae Marlow and Alma Phillips; and her brothers, Johnnie-Lee Jordan, Milton Swaing and Clarence Swaing.

She is survived by her children: Dr. Larrissa Henderson, Harriett Harris, Harry Harris, Vannissa Walton, Illya (Eric) Harris; her sisters, Mildred Strickland (Detroit, MI), Minnie (Jewell) Williams (Pensacola, FL); her eleven grandchildren, Forrest, LaToya, Tia, Shamara, Jerome Jr., Amiricle, Brandon, Essence; Elijah, Isaiah, Kyla; her twelve great grandchildren: Autumn, Egypt, Jael, Imani, Arahmas, Kenneth, Jr., Alexis, Asjha, Indae, Emeri, Brayden, Malik; and one great-great grandchild, Gi’anni.

The family will have a graveside service at 12:00pm, Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at Knoxville National Cemetery, located at 939 Tyson Street, Knoxville, TN 37917. Rev. Harriet Harris officiating. 

Final arrangements entrusted to Jarnigan & Son Mortuary.