Eunice Faye Harris

Eunice Faye Harris was born July 20, 1949 to the late Riley Harris, Sr. and Juanita Mays Harris of Gary, Indiana.

On Thursday, August 12, 2021, Eunice departed this life at Ascension All Saints Hospital, after a very brave encounter with cancer.

In addition to her parents, Eunice is preceded in death by her brother, Lawrence Harris, and sister, Vernita Harris.

Left to mourn her passing and cherish her precious memory is Erika Harris (daughter) of Belize City, BZ; Riley Harris, Jr. 'Little Brother' (special brother) of Hobart, Indiana; and marvelous cousins, relatives, and friends.

Eunice graduated from Roosevelt High School in Gary, IN, and went on to receive her B.A. and M.A. degrees in Education from Indiana University Northwest. She was a lifelong educator in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. In addition to teaching excellence, each of her classrooms reflected the gifted, self-taught artist that she was. Her creativity went well beyond bulletin boards and homework assignments, as she was known for stunning, artisanal creations she made by hand and machine. Realistic drawings, textiles, jewelry, and even the home she and her daughter occupied in the 80's, were all designed and executed by her incredible vision.

Eunice's innovative mind earned her a U.S. patent (for a multi-purpose garment), which testifies of her persistence through difficult processes.

She adored Nature and Freedom, and has now wholly returned to both. Eunice was a gentle lady of quiet power and faith. Her name means "good victory."

In addition to being an amazing visual artist, Eunice was also a powerful poet. She wrote “Peace for All” many years ago, and its message rings especially clear now:

PEACE FOR ALL

… Dedicated to all entities experiencing dissension with each other.

On this day, we’re obliged to guide

Peaceful intents to each other;

Proving that, to each earthly soul,

We’re linked as a human brother.

As we go, relentlessly bound

To execute personal will;

Our neighbor, let’s diminish not,

Who stands on the farthermost hill.

Co-tenants we are, on this orb;

Traversing here all together.

So we should, in our varied goals,

Co-exist in peaceful tether.

Divisive, man-made markers of

Linguistics, religion, or space;

In this age, should never succeed,

Humanity’s bond, to erase.

In the end, we will be reviewed

By the great light that we have sought.

We will see: Its source — free to all,

Is One by whom we all are wrought.

Copyright © Eunice F. Harris

Special thanks to all the family and friends who have shown loving kindness during this difficult loss. May God richly bless each of you!