Doris Jeanne Love Harris

Doris Jeanne Love Harris, 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 in Sandy, Utah.

Doris was born September 5, 1932 in Fort Worth, Texas where she resided the majority of her life. She was the only child of her beloved mother, Barbara Rhinehart and her dearly loved grandmother, Estell Goodspeed, affectionately known as “Mama”. 

After affirming her faith in Christ at an early age, she joined Mount Zion Baptist Church where she served as an usher and was a member of the junior choir. She later affiliated with Providence Baptist Church where she served as an usher for 30 years and was a member of the Missionary Society. Upon relocating to Salt Lake City she united with Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.

Doris attended Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School in Fort Worth and James E. Guinn Elementary. She attended and graduated from the historic I.M. Terrell High School in 1948. After four years she was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Prairie View A&M College in 1952. During this period Doris met and subsequently married James Roosevelt Harris and relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for nine years. Three children were born to this union, Michael, Paula and Norman Harris. 

Doris later returned to Fort Worth and attended North Texas State University and Texas Christian University where she earned her elementary and secondary teaching credentials. Doris was proud of being one of the first five black kindergarten teachers hired in the Fort Worth Independent School District. She served 34 years in the district before retiring in 1996. Following her retirement she continued to support local and national educational organizations including the Texas Retired Teachers Association, Fort Worth Retired School Employees Association, Texas State Teachers Association and National Education Association.

Doris was a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother and a loyal friend. She had fond memories of social gatherings with friends and family and her travels on cruise ships. Doris was a lifelong fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Service to others was important to Doris throughout her adult life. Some of the organizations she supported were the American Legion # 838, Daughters of the Elks, Twilight Temple # 1188, I.M. Terrell and Prairie View A&M Alumni Associations and a Life member of the N.A.A.C.P. The poem Invictus written in 1875 by William Ernest Henley was a favorite poem which Doris often turned to over the years. 

Doris was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Rhinehart; grandmother, Estell Goodspeed; brother, Gerald Love.

She is survived by her sister, Betty Jo Tennison (Darrell); sons; Michael and Norman Harris; daughter, Paula Coleman (Ronald); granddaughter, Erin Harris; grandsons, Trevor Harris, Trey Thomason; great grandson, Israel Manigo; special cousins, Rose Davis, Shauna Robertson, James Michael Smith; and dear friends.

We give special thanks to the staff at Sunrise of Sandy Assisted Living in Sandy, Utah who cared for and loved our mother. 

The funeral service will be on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Baker Funeral Home, 301 East Rosedale Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76104. A visitation will begin one hour prior. Doris will be laid to rest following funeral services at Cedar Hill Memorial Park Cemetery, 8301 Mansfield Highway, Arlington, Texas 76001.