Shirley Mae Harris

Shirley Harris ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by New Orleans Funeral and Cremation Service on Mar. 17, 2026.Shirley Mae Neal Harris passed away peacefully, at the age of 80 years old on February 14 2026.AT the Chateau DE Notre Dame Community Center, located at 2832 Burdette Street New Orleans La.70125.She was born on November 11, 1945 to the Union of Reverend Rufus Smith Neal Sr.(Head Pastor)of the Greater Carver Missionary Baptist Churchand Zelma Narcisse Neal of New Orleans La.She received her Education in the New Orleans School System, and was a high school graduateof George Washington Carver Senior High School, in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans La.She was "adored" by Family, Friends, and Colleagues , for her gentle Spirit, compassionate nature, kind heart, infectious laughter, and"hilarious" personality. She held a very "special"place in her heart for Children, and served the New Orleans Community as a Nursery School Teacher for over twenty five years.At Sheila and Sharon's Nursery School, where she was known as the "beloved" Mrs. Harris to a Village of Children and their families for manymany years. Over forty years ago, she wasBaptized and surrendered her life to Jesus Christ ,as her Lord and Savior. On that Journey sheserved "faithfully" till her end, as a Prayer Warriorand healer. In her latter years, she resided in Hahnville La. There she joined and attended the Historical Bethlehem Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Rodney L. Johnson.In the last Chapter of her life, she returned toher hometown of New Orleans La. Where she resided with her Brother Charles Neal Sr. andWife, Joanne Neal. Through better days, and the days of her declining health, where she was cared for with "LOVE ".She "loved' Worshiping her Heavenly Father through Fellowship, and Televised Bible Ministries. She "loved" laughterand "immensely" enjoyed watching her Comedy Sitcoms. Shirley Mae Neal Harris was a "Beautiful Light" in this World that will be forever remembered and " truly" missed! She passed away on Valentine's Day, and no messagecould ever be any clearer from Heaven, exemplifying the Sweetheart that she was"indeed" in every sense of the word. She was Preceded in Death by her Parents; Her FatherReverend Rufus Smith Neal Sr.(AKA Daddy Raful)and Mother Zelma Narcisse Neal. of New Orleans La. ( One Brother) Raful Neal Sr. of Baton Rouge La. ( Three Sisters ) Cora Neal of Baton Rouge La.,Grace Mary Brown of Hahnville La., andGwendolyn Neal Lewis also ( Godmother) ofNew Orleans La. And Predeceased by her( Former Spouse) Mr. Roger Earl Harris ofNew Orleans La.She leaves to forever cherish her Memory;(Two Brothers and Three Sister in Laws)Charles Neal Sr. and Wife Joanne Neal ofNew Orleans La., Warren Neal Sr. and Wife Alice Neal of New Orleans La. and Shirley M. NealWife of the late (Raful Neal Sr.) of Baton Rouge La. And a Host of Nieces, Nephews, Other Relatives, and Friends, residing mainly in New Orleans La, Hahnville La, and Baton Rouge La.The Family would like to extend a "heartfelt" THANK YOU, for all your Thoughts and Prayers,during this difficult time of Sorrow, as it is 'deeply appreciated!! A ( Private Prayer Memorial) was held by Family.Obituary Dedication ;Written By "Beloved Niece"Carol Ann Lewis.Arrangements By;New Orleans Funeral and Cremation Services,9200 I-10 Service Rd.New Orleans La., 70125New Orleans Funeral and Cremation Service"Celebrating Life"To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.