Vivian L. Harris

Vivian Harris ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Michael J. Grant Funeral Homes, Inc. - Brentwood on Mar. 10, 2026.The Michael J. Grant Funeral Homes of Brentwood, N.Y. is honored to be entrusted to the care of Vivian L. Harris. Visitation will begin on Saturday, March 14, 2026 in the morning from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. A Religious Blessing from St. Luke's R.C. Church will begin at 10:30 a.m. followed by continued services from Vivian's family.Please join the Harris Family on Saturday, March 14, 2026 for a Final Farewell at 12:00 p.m. followed by a Procession to Pinelawn Memorial Park where Vivian will eternally be laid to rest.In Loving Memory of Vivian Louise Amalla HarrisVivian Louise Amalla Harris, affectionately known as "Lodio," was an independent spirit and devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She passed away on February 26, 2026, at the age of 87.Vivian was born on November 13, 1938, in Harlem, New York. She was the daughter of the late Vivian Johnson Blake and Frank Amalla, and she was raised alongside her beloved late sister, Dolores Mamie Gadsden. From an early age, Vivian carried the unmistakable strength, resilience, and bold spirit of a true New Yorker-qualities that defined her throughout her life.As a teenager in high school, Vivian was a member of an all-female clique called the "Delmar Queens," where she met her future sister-in-law, Ardella Harris. In 1955, Vivian married the late Willie O. Harris, and together they welcomed two children: her son, William Clarence Harris, and her daughter, Vivian Juanita Harris, who preceded her in death. In 1968, the family moved from New York City to Brentwood, New York. Though Vivian and Willie later divorced, she remained in Brentwood, where her home became the hub of family gatherings. Her grandchildren fondly referred to her as "Grandma with the pool." Vivian worked until retirement for the companies Automatic Connector and Audiovox Electronics.In 2008, Vivian relocated to Bluffton, South Carolina, where she embraced a new chapter of life. There, she discovered a love for golfing-along with a dislike for the alligators living in the pond behind her house.Vivian was a woman of strong convictions and bold presence. In her 30s, she discovered a love for the open road and became an avid motorcycle enthusiast. She found freedom, adventure, and pure joy riding her beloved Harley-Davidson Sportster, proudly named Cherokee. She was a member of the Long Island motorcycle club chapters of the Peace Makers and the Harley Owners Group (HOG). The road was her sanctuary. She rode confidently until the age of 70.Vivian also enjoyed bowling leagues, going to movies, and dining out. Her favorite pastime, however, was golfing. She was a proud member of a women's golf league named "Chicks with Sticks." Throughout her life, Vivian had a special and unconditional love for her dogs, especially her Shih Tzus, Prince and Pancho.Vivian's admiration and love for Native American culture became a defining part of her life. She felt a profound connection to its traditions, spirituality, and artistry, embracing its values of strength, heritage, and ritual. She hosted sweat lodge ceremonies and participated in powwow festivities. The Native American identity she chose for herself was the "Lone Wolf," reflecting her independent spirit and her sense of walking her own path.Vivian's faith was not limited to her Catholic upbringing. Throughout her life, she also attended Baptist and non-denominational churches.Vivian lived unapologetically and on her own terms-strong-willed, courageous, and deeply loyal to those she loved. She remained true to herself through every season of life and will be remembered for her adventurous spirit and unwavering devotion to her family. Each morning, she prayed for good health, happiness, and a hedge of protection over her loved ones. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched.Vivian is survived by her son, William C. Harris; daughter-in-law, Michele O. Harris; nephews Cornelius Gadsden, Frank Gadsden, and Jihad Gadsden; niece Dolores Gadsden; grandchildren Quentin Harris, Lillian Harris, Crystal Davis, Anthony Harris, Mario Davis, Terrance Davis, Andre' Harris, and Vincent Harris; great-grandchildren Aliyah Burnside, Ayana Nealous, Amani Harris, Elijah Harris, Aiden Harris, Luciana Davis, Jocelyn Trzcianowski, Makyla Davis, Maya Trzcianowski, Emma Trzcianowski, Maxwell Harris, Cole Harris, Theodora Harris, and Rio Davis; great-great-grandson Julian Burnside; cousins Kebra Gardner, Patricia Davis, Austin Davis, and Taylor Davis; and many other family and friends.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.