Obituaries

Obituary Essie L. Harris was born Essie Lou Beard on December 6, 1917, in Brookhaven, Mississippi. Essie, who was affectionately known as "Bigma," a name given to her by her grandchildren, departed this life on Friday, July 11, 2025. She was in the presence of her family in the comfort of her home, in which she had resided for 55 years. Essie died from natural causes, having lived an abundant life of love and service for 107½ years. Her motto was "Love is What Love Does." Her favorite hymn was "Oh God, Our Help in Ages Past." She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and began her Christian journey in the AME Church, where she remained an active member throughout her life. At 107 ½, she was the oldest member of Ebenezer AME Church, having joined in 1946 under Pastor Carlyle Stewart.