DeLoria Marie Harris

DeLoria Marie (Francois) Harris was born on June 29, 1933, in Erwinville, LA, to Maurice Aubin Francois and Louiza Richardson Francois.  She was called to eternal rest on Thursday, October 2, 2025.

On July 2, 1953, DeLoria married Henry Harris Sr.  She was a loyal and devoted wife for 34 years until his passing on April 15, 1987. To this union, they were blessed with 6 children. 

She was a devout Catholic her entire life. She attended St. Augustine Church in New Roads, LA, before moving to Dayton. She was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, St. James and her most recent membership was at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church. Over the years, she served as a Lector, member of the Altar Rosary Society, Choir, co-chairperson for social activities and fundraising projects for St. James, and a volunteer for the Bereavement Committee.

She retired from General Motors Inland Division with 31.9 years of service, 16 of which were as a Data and Computer Network Coordinator and 3 as a Quality Work Life Coordinator.

DeLoria was active with the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies’ Auxiliary. Her experience with the Claver began at St. Augustine Church in New Roads, LA. In 1976, she helped establish the first court and council in Dayton, Ohio.  An additional council and court were established in 1977 for Resurrection Parish. She served as the Northern District Area Deputy for 8 years. In that role, she was instrumental in establishing the Assumption Court #274 and St. Cyprian Council and Court #298 in Columbus. She participated in many Claver initiations, including those held in Youngstown, Cleveland, Chicago, Indiana and Cincinnati. Additional roles with the Claver included Grand Lady, Recording Secretary, Parliamentarian, Fourth Degree Lady of Grace, Searcy L. Greenwell chapter #14, Indianapolis, charter member Resurrection Court #185, and committees for Mardi Gras, membership, and registration.

Not only was she committed and dedicated to her work with the Claver, but she also helped her community. She volunteered for voter registration for the homeless, and was also a poll worker. She also assisted in the successful election campaign for State Senator Rhine McLin. She was the Financial Secretary for the neighborhood block club, a facilitator for the Crusillo 75 movement (Cincinnati). She was a member of the NAACP and Dayton Catholic Women’s Club. She was also a volunteer at Miami Valley Hospital.

In recognition of her service, she received the 3rd place award for Expansion, Northern District, Mother of the Year, St. James Court #194, Certificate of Appreciation, Veterans Affairs for Disabled Veterans, and Service Award from Governor Voinovich for voter registration for the homeless. She has also received recognition from The Ladies Auxiliary court #353.

DeLoria was a remarkable woman. She was a loving, caring, strong, faithful, vibrant woman.  She was devoted to family and enjoyed music and cooking her delicious gumbo.  She gave and showed the best love a mother could offer her family.  She continued to be a giver and provider for her family and her community.

DeLoria was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice and Louiza Francois; loving husband, Henry Harris Sr.; sisters, Hazel, Agnes, Mildred; brothers, Gaston, Louis, Charlie, Roy Lee, Maurice Jr., Oliver, Herman, Bobby; sons, Henry Harris Jr., Kirk Gregory Harris, Jeffrey Harris; and stepdaughter, Veronica Jackson (Earnest).

Left to cherish her memory are her sister, Mary Louise Francois; daughters, Deborah Rudd and Rhonda Harris; son, Jerome Harris (Veronica); sister-in-law, Beulah Thompson; brother-in-law, Bill Harris (Ann); grandchildren, Danyell Moore (Ebony), John Rudd Jr., David Rudd (Erin), Dominick Rudd, Atina Harris, Tiffany Franklin, Parisondre Harris, Erika Lucas, Jovan Harris, Julian Harris; godchildren, Lois Paul Christopher, Bobby Harris, and Paulette Allen;; 20 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Mass of Christian Burial 11 am Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church, 519 Liscum Drive, Dayton, OH. Visitation 9:30 am- 11 am at which time family will receive friends. Interment Dayton National Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home.

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