On Thursday, March 6, 2025, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and wife peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home surrounded by family. Rematha Harris, affectionately known as Mama Harris, was born April 23, 1939, to Frank and Martha Woodard Barnes in Wilson, North Carolina. Rematha, the eldest of five children born in their union, learned the power of hard work and responsibility at a young age by helping with the chores of the home, assisting with the raising of her younger siblings and working on the Woodard family farm when needed.

She was educated in the Wilson County Public School System and graduated from Darden High School - Class of 1957. Rematha was voted most likely to become a fashion designer. After graduation, she began her studies at Fayetteville State University and ultimately continued her passion for fashion design by embarking on a stellar 35 year career at the Lucia Company (formerly the Salem Company) in Winston-Salem, NC. While Working as a supervisor for the inaugural second shift clothing production team, Rematha became a role model to a group of young women. Through her leadership, outstanding example of hard work, attention to detail, and strong work ethics the team produced quality clothing lines for multiple brands, including Lands End.

Rematha accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age and became a member of Rountree Missionary Baptist Church in Wilson, NC.  She maintained active membership serving in the Junior Choir and Sunday School until relocating to Winston-Salem in 1961, after her marriage to William Oliver Harris, Sr.  Upon arrival in Winston-Salem, Rematha started attending Red Bank Baptist Church of Germanton, NC and subsequently united in fellowship through the call of God and the encouragement of the late Reverend and Mrs. John Jacob Clyburn, Sr.

Mama Harris loved God, family and her church. She was committed to pleasing God with her talents. As a faithful member of Red Bank, she served on numerous committees and ministries. Her spiritual gifts included helping and encouragement. She used her gifts and talents in the following ministries over the years: Senior Choir, Missionary, Deaconess, Outreach, Sunday School, and her beloved Kitchen and Card Ministries.

Rematha had a second passion, Cooking! Over the years, her home was filled with wonderful aromas and delicious foods. She catered many meals across numerous venues throughout North Carolina. She loved to lend a helping hand to anyone in need and prepared thousands of dishes for various church, work and family functions. She trained numerous young people on the principles of cooking soul food. Those principles are grounded with love, passion, creativity and commitment.

To master her craft, she remained a lifelong learner and attended Forsyth Technical Community College. Where she took continuing education courses for Cake Decorating and Chinese Food Cuisine. Her tenacity, creativity and commitment to excellence caught the attention of the instructors. As a result, she was invited to teach a 'Soul Food Cooking Class'. In 2001, Mama Harris accepted a position as a cook for The Children's Center of First Baptist Church - Fifth Street. Where she was affectionately called 'Ms. Mae.' Mama Harris also used her gifts to impact the community by feeding students at Winston Salem State University and preparing desserts for Trellis Supportive Care/Hospice. In 2024, she received a proclamation from Mayor J. Allen Joines of Winston-Salem in recognition of her dedicated service to others. She was honored by him, declaring April 23, 2024 as Mrs. Rematha Harris Day.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Edward Bernard Barnes; Harris-In- Loves, Alfonza Harris, Rubylene Hinnant, John and Deloris Harris, Lillian Johnson, Ernestine Joyner; and a bonus sister, Clara Clyburn.

Rematha leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 63 years, Deacon William O. Harris, Sr.; devoted children, William (Janice) Harris, Jr. and Wanda (Terry) Fields; four precious grandchildren, Caleb Harris, Erica Fields, Joshua and Asia Harris; a very special great-grandson-furbaby, Valentinó Fields; beloved siblings, James (Janet) Barnes, Michael Barnes, Pamela Atkinson and Byron Barnes; bonus brothers, William Clyburn, Rev. James (Bernadette)  R. Clyburn, Sr. and James Edward Clyburn, Sr.; sisters-in-love, Barbara Woodard, Beulah Hart, Rev. Belinda Harris, and Audrey Barnes; beloved nephews and nieces; endeared Fields Family; cherished Red Bank Baptist Church Family (RBBC); bonus children of RBBC; ACE Car Club; and Salem Kidney Center; as well as a host of family and friends. Memorials to honor Mama Harris' legacy can be made by making donations to the Red Bank Baptist Church Scholarship Fund.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, March 14, 2025 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Saturday, March 15, 2025 at Red Bank Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Red Bank Baptist Church Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12:00noon until 1:00pm on Saturday at the Church.