Mrs. Brenda R. Harris

Brenda Raye Harris was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend. She passed away on June 23, 2024, at Henry Ford Hospital at 79 years old. Brenda Raye Coon was born in Hattiesburg, MS. on Oct. 12, 1944 to Lewis Jeff Coon and Johnnie Mae Williams. She moved to Akron, Ohio at an early age with her mother and stepfather, Sam Johnson. As a child, Brenda lived with several relatives in various states. While living in Chicago, IL, she met and married soldier James E. Harris, their marriage lasted for over 61 years. Together they traveled the world and ultimately built a life in Saginaw, Michigan. Brenda Raye served on the Buena Vista School Board for over a decade and she headed the Neighborhood Watch in her area. She enjoyed bowling, planting flowers, collecting mementos from across the globe and being a good neighbor. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Brenda Raye was down to earth; she was most comfortable wearing t-shirts from her extensive collection. She loved talking on the phone, she was a huge fan of Facebook, and a Candy Crush guru. She was predeceased by her parents, Lewis Jeff Coon and Johnnie Mae Randall; brothers; Lewis Coon Jr., Jerome Coon; sisters, Vivian Brown, Shirley Brown, Wonna Brown; step-sisters, Katie Mae Johnson, Evelyn Johnson; step-brother, Sammy Johnson. She leaves to cherish her memory, husband James Harris, Sr., three children, Brenda (Asuman) Harris-Watara, Saginaw, MI; James (Rochenda) Harris Jr., Saginaw, MI; Andrew Harris, Saginaw, MI; two brothers, Curtis Johnson, Essexville, MI; Larry Johnson, Saginaw, MI; sisters, Frances Irvin, Saginaw, MI; Wanda Garrett, Denver, CO; Shawheen Coon, Fairfield, CA; two step-brothers, William (Denease) Mack, Fort Myers, FL and Tyrone Johnson, Saginaw, MI; two step-sisters, Pecolia Coon, Fairfield, CA; and Renee Johnson, Saginaw, MI; one sister-in-law, Delores Beal, Coon Rapids, MN; six grandchildren, Xavier Houston; Xenovia Ball; Brittany Harris; Diamond Hardin; Andrew Harris, Jr. and Ariana Harris; six great-grandchildren, Xe’Nie Baker; Dayshawn Tate; Antwane Baker; Khazmeire Harris; Amir Gilmer and Chase Hardin, many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She will be truly missed by special neighbors, Harold and Rosalind McCray, and her phone buddies Barbara Amon-Weigandt and Francis Hayes. The absence of Brenda Raye’s laughter and loving presence will surely be deeply felt by those who knew her. She wished to forgo a memorial service of any kind. On July 15, 2024, at 1:00 pm, interment will take place in Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd., Holly, Michigan 48442. In lieu of flowers, send donations to Jessie Loomis Elementary School, 2201 Limerick Street, Saginaw, MI 48601.

Mrs. Brenda R. Harris

October 12, 1944 - June 23, 2024