Mother Veola Harris
October 31, 1943 – October 10, 2025
Mother Veola Harris, a devoted woman of faith and love, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, with her beloved daughter by her side. Born on October 31, 1943, she lived a life rooted in grace, compassion, and service to others.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis James Harris. Mother Harris leaves behind a legacy cherished by her children, Virgil Harris and Violet Harris-Hill; her grandchildren, LaShondra Harris and Jamal Harris; and her adored great-grandson, Justice Paige. She is also survived by her beloved sisters and one brother, nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends, including her cherished St. John Missionary Baptist Church family.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 18th at 12:00 PM, with visitation from 10:00 AM to Noon, at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 37 Edward Street, Rochester, NY. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery – Veterans Reserve.
Leave a Comment
Viola Harris helped shape my life, per her example, while growing up on Hawley Street. She embodied Class, Respect, Decency, and a Motherly example as my neighbor. Viola was the epitome of a Mom to Violet and Wife to Curtis. I was 10 years-old when we lived across the street from their family and I watched and saw her example without really knowing what I was seeing…but as I grew to be an adult, I remembered that example. What a Blessing to have been led and subliminally influenced by Viola. God is please with people who can lead the young and old by example…either without uttering a word, or by simply smiling and saying, “Hi Todd”. Although my relationship with Viola was from a distance … she directly influenced my life. Violet was ALWAYS a young girl who I always saw as very well mannered and set apart from some of the negative influences that could have engulfed her (and myself) on Hawley St….thanks to her Mom. Thank God for my Mom and my “Mom Example Across The Street” (in Viola). Our Mom’s raised us both (me and Violet) to be conscientious and respectful people. I Praise and Thank The Lord for placing my life in the influential path of this Strong Black Women, Viola Harris, who I always had the utmost Respect for as a kid, and later on in life as an adult. Thank you Viola for your LOVE and example. ❤️🙏🏿