Mrs. Willette Brown Harris

With heartfelt sympathy, the management and staff of Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc., and members of the Harris and Johnson families announce the transition of Mrs. Willette Brown Harris, of Florence, SC. Mrs. Harris passed away peacefully, surrounded by love at the Rehabilitation Center of Cheraw, Cheraw, SC, after an illness. 

Public viewing will be 1:00 pm to 4:00 PM, Friday, March 14, 2025, at Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc., 612 S Main St, Darlington, SC.

Visitation for family and friends will be held 4:00 to 8:00 PM, Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Epic Center, 260 W Palmetto St, Florence, SC.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at New Ebenezer Baptist Church, 307 S Ravenel St, Florence, SC. Interment will follow at Faith Memorial Gardens, Rogers Rd, Darlington, SC.

Obituary

    “We are confident I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.”                                                                                                                         2 Corinthians 5:8

    Late Tuesday night March 4th, 2025, Willette Brown Harris transitioned from labor to reward at the Rehab Center of Cheraw, Cheraw SC. Life began for her on March 12, 1928, born to William “Moss” and Mamie Rogers Brown “Nee Rogers” in Lamar SC. She would be the youngest of twelve children. 

    At an early age, Willette joined and was baptized at Sandy Grove United Methodist Church, Lamar SC, where her father was an Associate Minister. She loved to serve the Lord. Over the years she served on auxiliaries such as the deaconess board, usher board, kitchen committee and the missionaries. In 1995, she moved to Florence, SC and found a church home at New Ebenezer Baptist Church where she was an active member until her health started to decline.

    Willette was educated in the public schools of Darlington County and also attended Boylan-Haven-Mathers Academy in Camden, SC. She was on the cheer squad and basketball team. She was nicknamed “PeeWee” from her small statue.

    On July 16, 1946, Willette wed Sylvester “Mike” Johnson and moved to NYC. This union was blessed with four children. They later divorced but remained friends. Years later, she ran into a childhood friend, Henry Harris. They married on November 7, 1964 and this union was blessed with two sons.

    Willette was employed with Horn & Hardart in Manhattan,NY, Alexanders’ Department Store and later became a Childcare Professional for the New York City Administration for Children's Services.  Called “Nana” by grands and foster children, she welcomed many different children into her home for over 15 years.

    Affectionately called “Will” by her family, Willette was the matriarch. Being with her children and extended family was most important to her. You could always count on her to be there.  She also enjoyed traveling, shopping, cooking and most of all talking on the phone. 

    Willette was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Henry Harris; parents: William and Mamie Brown; two sons: Alfonso Johnson Sr. and Sylvester Johnson; two grandchildren: Robert Johnson and Towana Johnson-Alston; eleven siblings: Sloan Brown, James Brown, Merch Brown, Fussler Brown, Gillie Brown, Florrie Edmonds, Baxter Brown, Wesley Brown, Gillis Brown, Thomas Brown and Lucy Johnson; son-in-law; Norman Martin; two special cousins: Ethel R. Mitchell and Cornelia McCollough.

     Willette leaves an everlasting legacy of love to her children: Patricia A. Martin of Florence, SC, Will (Linda) Johnson of Buffalo NY, Rodney (Stephanie) Harris of Estero FL, Russell Harris Sr. of Dallas TX; grandchildren: Anthony Johnson, Christopher Colby, Tania (Keith) Hunter, Shavonne Johnson, Kenya Willette Martin, Rashad Isaac, Alfonso Johnson Jr., Russell Harris Jr.; 12 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Willie Mae Johnson; brother-in-law, Edward (Pat) Harris; sister-in law; Betty Johnson. Special Nieces: Mamie (Raymond) Adams and Sarah Covington. god-daughters: Willie Ann Johnson and Kelli Johnson; special friends: Marie Mack and Ella McPhatter; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loved ones and friends.

Please keep the family and friends of Mrs. Willette Brown Harris in your thoughts and prayers. 

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