Delois Harris, 76, of New Haven, departed this life on April 1, 2020. She was the widow of Eric Harris.
Mrs. Harris was born in Greenville, NC, on November 23, 1943, a daughter of the late Lemuel Lofton, Sr. and Lenora Langley Lofton.
Delois was affectionately known as “Kochie” by family, friends, and called “Lil Sista” by her mother, as she was depended on to help care for family members. Kochie was noted as the Wittiest in her class of 1961 at C.M. Epps High School of Greenville, NC. Dee was also a name she was called by co-workers and friends, as she cherished her years of employment at the Hospital of Saint Raphael for 45 years until her retirement in June of 2010. Dee was known for lighting up a room with her presence, and beautiful smile to all who knew her. Delois was know for cooking, caring for family, and helping to raise money for her high school alumni chapter, the New Haven, CT association. Adulthood for Dee emphasized the need for education, and necessity of integrity, as she supported her children in their pursuit for higher education. Dee most cherished moments have included being a mother and a grandmother.
Delois was a member of Community Baptist Church of New Haven, CT and also served as one of the founding members of the New Haven Chapter of the C.M. Epps Alumni Association.
She leaves to cherish loving memories, her daughters, Onya Harris and Ericka Harris; grandsons, Brandon Emery and Qualin Chambers; a brother, Lemuel Lofton, Jr.; sisters, Thelma Mouning, Peggy Moore (James), Catherine Langley and Lille Day (Arthur); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Services for Mrs. Harris will be private.
To the Lofton family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time. I will always remember Kochie fondly and have wonderful memories of many times spent with you all during our younger days.
Jay and Mary Murphy
Onya and Ericka, my heart is broken because I cannot be with you to do my best to console you, cry with you, and laugh with you. Yes, there will be laughter as you reminisce about all the good times you shared with your mom, my dear cousin, Kochie. She loved to laugh and we did lots of it when we were together.
Our maternal grandparents used to say that Kochie had a lot of “Mother Wit.” Mother Wit being an innate intelligence existing from birth. YES! She was smart, wise, articulate, and a lot of fun to be around.
I will profoundly miss Dee. And please know that every fiber of my being is with you in Spirit! God bless you and keep you.
Love,
Dee’s Vee, Veronica
(She called me Vee and Doll Baby?)
Our prayers are with the family at this time of bereavement. The family of Aunt Girlena Lofton Hardy.
Onya and Ericka,
Just wanted you to know that you both are in my heart and prayers. Our moms always had a good time chatting and catching up, and I have fond memories of your mother’s kindness and bright smile. May the memories and love that share comfort and bless you today and always.
Love, Tracie (Tim and Trey)
Onya,
I was deeply saddened to hear about your mother’s passing.
You and your family will be in my prayers at this difficult time. Sending a distant hug to you. Love you.
Shawnzetta
My sincerest condolences to you and Ericka, I know what it’s like to lose a mom being that I lost my beloved mother a little over a year ago. Be steadfast in your faith and God will comfort you in your time of need. God bless you both
My heartfelt sympathy to the Harris Family. I grew up with Sis. Harris, a classmate of Lille & Donald. There is comfort in knowing that God will take care of you. He will strengthen you, and be with you, be not dismayed. Please know that the Family is in my prayers. God Bless you Elder Patricia Holley
My condolences and prayers to the family we are praying for you Mrs.Gloria K.Daniels.,Cassandra Daniels
To the Harris Family be encouraged from the class of 1961, one of Sis. Harris Classmates. Evelyn Anderson of Mt. Olive North Carolina. I send my prayers, love with my deepest sympathy to the Harris family. God Bless you Evelyn Anderson
Love and condolences Onya and Erica. I know how much you love your mom every time you talked about her. Blessings to you. See you soon ?????❤️ May she rest in Heavenly Peace
Praying for you all. My her soul rest in peace.
We have all our childhood memories that I hold dear to me.. Your mom an dad were uncle an aunt to me.. Although they will be missed … They will never be forgotten….? u Both. My Condolences to ur family from mine…
I am so sorry for the loss of you mother, I am praying for you and your family.
I’ve loved your Mother Mrs. Harris since I meet her in 1978 when we moved to Truman St. She was so sweet and mild spoken with one of the prettiest smiles I’ve ever seen . I can still hear her calling for you guys when you were outside. No matter how long time passed an we hadn’t seen one another, she would greet me with a big smile and hug & kiss… I loved your Mother and the both of you more because you guys both shared and displayed an extension of her love and kindness . I can not tell you both how hard it is not to hold you both at this time and share your pain . I truly want you both to know that I love you and I’m here for you if ever you need or want to share memories of her. (203) 887-7700 is my # Facebook isn’t private enough for me … so call when you can, no matter how long between the days, just would like to hear both of your voices. LOVE YOU ONYA & Erica !!! And I’m truly sorry for our lost .. But it is Jehovah our Gods will that we find and see her again when the meek ones shall inherit the earth . ????
Onya and Erica you have my sincere condolence, I loved the both of you before I met your wonderful beautiful mother, she was such a lady always, when times get tough remember how much she loved you both so much, stay strong and trust in our lord and savior and he will give you the strength to endure this very difficult time. I am here for both of you always .
Onya and Ericka my sincere condolences. Praying for your family. I’m Kendall and Sheri ‘s mom
With heartfelt sympathy we send our condolences to the family of Delois “Kochie” Harris. Our hearts are saddened. We mourn with you, and we are here for you. Kochie was a dear cousin. We’ll always remember our conversations with her, and our visits to her home where we enjoyed her warm, entertaining personality; her selfless hospitality; good food and the genuine love ♥️ we felt there.
During this time of grief, let’s reflect on the happy times we shared with Kochie. Let us turn to our Savior and claim His wonderful promises, that everyone who believes in Him will not die, that through Him death no longer reigns, that out beloved Kochie has fallen asleep in Jesus and transitioned to her heavenly home.
Revelation 21:4
With Love and Compassion,
Cousin J. Donald (Floretha) Lofton DeSoto, Texas
My family and I send our deepest prayers to you Erica & Onya-earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. We know how much you both loved your mother. As the days, weeks and months go by cherish all the wonderful memories you’ll shared together knowing that one day you will meet with mother again. We love ❤️ you’ll and will continue to pray that God give you strength. God bless❤️?❤️
The memories of her loving smile will always be etched in our hearts. May God comfort, and keep you. Sincere condolences with heart felt love sent your way.
The Tappin’s
My thoughts and prayers are with you Onya, your Sister and your Family.???
My deepest condolences to the Harris family!
Onya and Erica I was so sad to hear about passing of your beloved mom she was such a wonderful mother to you girls and I know how much you are going to miss her I love both of you so much and always have love just keep trusting in our lord and savior for strength and lean on me and others that love you
With Deepest Sympathy. We are praying for you during this difficult time. May your cherished memories bring you peace and comfort.
C. M. Eppes High School
Class of 1961
To the Delois Harris Family,
You all are in my prayers. I grew up with the the Loftons.
Catherine and I are members of the class of 1963. Catherine the class 1963 of CM Eppes love and support you during this difficult time. The Virus keeps us from being there, but God is with you.
Love,
Pat Grimes Short
Class of 1963.
Tho she is not present in body, she will forever live on in our heart’s. Ericka has the same glo and energy of her mom, Onya has the quiet reserved characteristics of mom. This family unit is a close loving one. Continue to lift each other up and know that I am here if you need me. Love you all. XOXOXOXOXO
To the family:
We are so sorry for your loss. Kochie will be truly missed. She was such a delightful person and was so much fun to be around. May God continue to bless the family and help you through this trying time.
The Love family
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the GI-C M Eppes High School Alumni Association, and its entire membership, I forward this heartfelt message of condolence to the family of Delois “Kochie” Lofton Harris. Our hearts are heavy with yours.
Down through the years the Lofton family has been super supportive of this organization. Their support includes almost never missing a Reunion Weekend in Greenville, NC. Even more so, Kochie was a founding member of the New Haven, CT chapter of the Eppes Alumni Association.
For years there was major competition among the chapters to gift the scholarship fund with the largest contribution. The New Haven chapter was always at the head of the class primarily through the efforts of Kochie and others.
It matters not whether it was through monetary contributions, suggestions for improvement. their presence or entertaining the group, the Lofton family contributions are greatly appreciated.
Many of us grew up with the Lofton girls, receiving our basic education with them in grade school through high school graduation. Lillie and Cousin J. Donald are my classmates, therefore, it goes further than just being schoolmates, it’s a family affair.
It is written that: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” We find comfort in knowing that Kochie is at rest, not having to concern herself with worldly situations and circumstances anymore. No more pain or sorrow because God has wiped all tears away.
To the family we say be strong in your faith and know that God has already dispatched the Comforter to dwell with you. Prayerfully, we hope you will be able to say, “It is well with my soul”.
Respectfully,
James Harper, Jr.
National President
To my family You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Onya, Ericka and Family,
Kotchie was a special woman and she will be with us always because she will never leave our hearts. I always admired her caring and selfless nature. She was a true friend and someone who was always a pleasure to be around. Her smile would light up any room. When she made those royal pig feet, she would just get a kick out of watching people enjoy them.
I will always remember the special times your mother and I spent together and talking for hours on the phone. She will be missed. My deepest sympathy and I will continue praying for you all during this difficult time.
God Bless and comfort you
Onya, Erica, Mother Thelma Mouning are how we stayed connected to Delois. Yet, our prayers and condolences are extended to the entire family. I Fannie , shares personally fond memories when moving from south in 1967 and meeting Delois. She and her friend Grace Suggs and I left daily from the family home on Thompson Street (where her mother Mrs. Lofton resided and walked to the Hospital of St. Raphael where we all worked. Being a little younger I gleaned from these two great women being new to New Haven and my first job.. Delois’s smile, gentleness and kindness toward me was always comforting and nurturing. Though 53 years ago and not seeing her for a while, I cherished meeting such a beautiful woman as Delois at that time in my life.
Phenomenal Woman! May God bless you and your family!
Stephanie Willoughby
Onya and Ericka
My Heartfelt Condolences To You and Your Family God Has Gained A Beautiful Angel Your Beautiful Mom
R.I.Paradise Mrs Harris.