Erma Jean Oatis-Harris was born August 08, 1938, in Sumrall, MS. She was the third of seven children born to Allen and Eddie D. (Steele) Oatis (Mikells).
Jean graduated from LaMarion High School, Lamar County MS and went on to attend technical school where she received an associate degree in office assistance.
At an early age, she met her best friend and the love her life and on January 05, 1958, Jean was joined in holy matrimony to Louis Derex Harris, Sr. On January 5, 2012, just two months before his death, they celebrated 54 years of marriage. To this union was born eight children, four boys and four girls.
Throughout her life Jean worked in various jobs, most notably she was a housewife and caregiver for her eight children and aided in the rearing of many of her nieces and nephews and grandchildren. She’s affectionately known on Texas Street as “Ma” or “Gma” by many in the neighborhood.
After her kids and older grandkids were grown, Jean went back to work as an aide for Hattiesburg Public Schools Transportation Department until her retirement.
After retirement, she returned to assisting with the after-school care of additional grand and great-grandkids.
On Saturday, March 11, 2023, God called His Angel home to Glory. Her soul is now at peace with her beloved husband and her oldest two children, as well as her parents.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Louis Derex Harris, Sr. (2012); her oldest daughter, Beverly Harris-Edmon (2021) (Melton); her oldest son, Louis Derex Harris, Jr., (1991); both her parents (Eddie D. and Allen); three brothers, Allen, Lonnie and Leonzett; two sisters Mirandallen, Flonell, and a host of family and friends.
Jean leaves to cherish her memory:
Children: Angus Calvin Harris; Gloria Anita Garner, Julius Ceaser Harris, David Allen Harris, Vicki Sharon Harris and Gwendolynn Delores Harris-Cocroft (Herbert).
Grandchildren: Jermaine (Jaynelle), Shantell, Laketta (Demetrius), Julian, Chanise, LouAndra, Jovana, Dekoshia (Denise), Delyon (Wendy), Martika, Chelsi, Andreasia, Ashanti, Jorden, Gabriel, Lindsay and Peyton;
Great Grandchildren: Shankeria, Jameriel, Tre’von, Tiana, Jemari, Cortez, Terriauna, Teester, Solomon, Dasia, Kenedi, Keilon, Ke’Aron, My’Kalah, Michael, Walter, Maleek, Jayden, Syntori, Taylor, Tryston, Emori, Drayson, De’Andre;
Great-Great Grandchildren: A’lonei, Ava, Aubrey, Ariyah,Harmonei, Londyn, Kaycen
Sister: Vonghett Oatis;
God-daughters: Wanda Walker and Sabrina Foley
God-son: Cody McLendon
Aunts: Alice Fleishour and Doris Lindsey
Uncle-in-law: David Collins;
And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends..