Ms. Retha Mattie Harris, formerly of Springwood Care Center, departed this life on Saturday morning, July 18, 2009 at 2:20 AM. She was born in Rowan County on June 20, 1920 to Champion and Postella Harris.

She was a native of Winston-Salem where she attended the WSFC Public Schools. She was formerly employed by Hotel Robert E. Lee and retired from WSSU.

She was a dedicated member of Emmanuel Baptist Church until her health failed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Priscilla Y. Gaines; sisters, Blanche Harris, Lillian Rice, Marie Reid, and Thelma Warren and brothers, Lester, Otis, Grover, and Clyde Harris.

She leaves to cherish her memory a devoted daughter, Denise Harris; one granddaughter, Desiree Wellman; one great- grandson, Jalil Wellman; one niece, Vera Ledbetter; one great niece, Paulette (Harrison) Stokes; great nephews, Caiphus (Ingrid) Rice, Adrian and Alexander Stokes, and Harold (Princela) Harris, all of Winston-Salem; a very devoted family member, Juanita Williams, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Homegoing services will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, July 23, 2009 at Emmanuel Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. John Mendez officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12:30 PM until 1:00 PM on Thursday at the church.

The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the entire staff at Springwood Care Center and Forsyth Medical Center.