Stephen Harris

Stephen Anthony Harris was born on September 23, 1960 in Glendale, California.  He was the first born child of two, to James Norval and Gloria Mae Harris.   He briefly lived in Los Angeles before moving with his family to Riverside. Stephen grew up in Riverside, California, where he finished his formal education.

Stephen was the product of Seventh Day Adventist schools, (Riverside Jurupa SDA Elementary and La Sierra Academy), completing the 9th grade at LSA, before transferring to Public School Systems, Polytechnic High School, where he graduated in 1979.  Stephen spent one semester at Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama.  Stephen decided trade school was better suited for himself, and pursued his Barber License and training from a Barber School in Tennessee.  He worked as a licensed Barber in Tennessee and Ohio.

Stephen was baptized at Kansas Avenue SDA Church in Riverside at the early age of ten.  He had a strong love for Christ. He was re-baptized since then, with the last time in Columbus, Ohio, by Pastor Donald Burden. He was a faithful member of the Ephesus SDA Church, always present, on time, and eager to participate in the lesson study at Sabbath School. Some of the things important in his life were dressing sharp, hanging with friends, sports, girls, and talking on the phone.  He loved talking on the phone with family and friends.  When not on the phone, he loved to watch ESPN, College and Professional Sports. Stephen played basketball and football in High School.  He was quick to strike up conversations wherever he went, he never met a stranger.

Stephen was a free spirit, loved to travel, and lived in several states, including California, Tennessee, Alabama, and Ohio. Along his journey, Stephen was married twice.  He met his first wife in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Linda Joyce Shelton Harris.  Stephen later married his second wife, Joann Moore Harris, in Columbus, Ohio.

Struggling courageously with health challenges for a long time, never complaining, Stephen would always tell you he was fine.  Ultimately he lost his battle, passing peacefully at Grant Medical Center on November 17th, 2018 at 10:08PM, surrounded by his loving Mother, cousin Stanley Harris, Sister Alverda Stepney (Mother’s prayer partner), and Brother Marc Lavalas (a loving and close friend of the family).

Stephen was proceeded in death by his father, James N Harris in January of 2003, and leaves a legacy of love.  A devoted Mother, Gloria M Harris; a warm and loving sister, Linda M Harris; surviving wives: Linda J Shelton Harris and Family, Joann Moore Harris and Family; Step-Sons: Derrick Shelton, Cedric Shelton; Step-Daughter: Stephanie Moore; Aunts & Uncles: Nyra Harris Gray (Thomas), Roy Collier (Irma), Wilma Harris, Millie Bradley; Cousins: Nyla Jefferson, Ronald Harris (Lana), Myka Godwin, Stanley Harris, Donald Harris (Betesia), Shareese Gay (Duncan), Lynetta Jones, Jeffery Harris, Teddy Harris (Sarah), Donna Harris, Gavin Gray, Darren Gray (Sheila),  Russell Aaron, Rhonda Robinson, Richie Aaron; Niece/Nephews: Candace Coker Stone, Darius Stone, DeMond Stone; as well as a host of cousins, family, and friends too numerous to mention.

Looking forward to seeing you, Stephen, on the Resurrection Day!  You are MISSED and GREATLY LOVED!

Mom, Linda, Family, and Friends!

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