Anna Victoria Harris of Bellingham, was born on March 12, 1935, in Blackstone, VA, to the union of the late Hattie Sue and Melvin Harris Sr. The family eventually moved to Arlington, VA, where Anna received her education at Kemper Annex Elementary School which is now known as Charles R. Drew. She continued her education at Armstrong Technical High School and Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C.
Anna shared her life with her lifelong companion, the late Howard Nelson, with whom she had three children: Rasheedah Ziyad, Majeed Sami, and Crystal Harris.
In 1961, Anna moved her family to New Jersey, where she worked as a nurse's assistant in Newark, NJ. A passionate advocate for civil rights, Anna participated in marches and protests under the Christian Leadership Conference for Martin Luther King Jr. She also supported black-owned businesses in New York City through civil rights programs and led a neighborhood block association in East Orange, NJ, to address the needs of the local community.
Anna enjoyed a vibrant social life, frequenting renowned venues such as the Cotton Club, the Apollo Theater, and New York Knickerbocker games. Later, she became a devoted Golden State Warriors fan. She found joy in music, swing dancing, and fashion, and as a trendsetting entrepreneur, she inspired others by selling wigs with creativity and style.
After retiring from Cherry Nursing Home in Montclair, NJ, Anna returned to Arlington, VA, in 1992 to care of her ailing mother. There, she became well-known for her daycare services and took on the role of raising her four granddaughters. Her home on 2205 S. Oakland St. became a cherished gathering place for family and friends, who came together every weekend to share meals and memories.
In May of 2004, Anna joined Macedonia Baptist Church, where she attended and served faithfully until her health no longer allowed. Her love for the church and its community was unwavering.
Our mother and loved one was one who was always a lady. Her family was her joy, especially her grandchildren. She had a recipe for family, world happiness and success.
She would add heaping cups of understanding; use generous amounts of time and patience; always keep her temper low; add a dash of humor and a pinch of warm personality and add spice to everyone's life. This was our "Tuda" or “Ma”.
In March of 2024, Anna moved to Bellingham, MA, to be closer to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, where she continued to embrace her role as a loving matriarch and remained deeply involved in her family's lives.
On Friday, January 10, 2025, God called Anna home to rest.
Anna was preceded in death by her siblings, Queen Elizabeth Morgan and Melvin “Bro” Harris Jr. Her legacy of kindness and inspiration will live on through her family and loved ones.
She leaves to cherish her memory her three children, Rasheedah Sami Ziyad, Majeed Sami (Tawanna), and Crystal Harris-Gomes (Glen); nine grandchildren, Munajj (Yolanda), Sirajj (Terri), Iyana, Izaria, Ijadah, Inniyyah, Samir, Kamal and Dante; seven great-grandchildren, Imara, Ezekiel, Isaiah, I’layla, Kenneth, Kevin, and Tatiana; and one great-great-grandchild, Leilani; beloved pet dogs, Redd and Ruff Ruff; and host of other cousins, nieces, and nephews. Anna's love extended to countless others whose lives she touched and who will forever cherish her memory.
Her Funeral will be Friday January 24, 2025 at Macedonia Baptist Church 3412 South 22nd Street Arlington, VA 22206 at 11AM.
A viewing from 10-11AM.
Interment will follow at National Memorial Park 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church. VA @ 1PM.
WE LOVE YOU AND WILL MISS YOU.
THE FAMILY
The Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St is honored to assist the Harris family.
Guestbook www.oterifuneralhome.com