Leon Nathaniel Harris

Leon N. Harris peacefully departed this life at his residence in the presence of his family early on Saturday morning, April 16, 2016. He was born on August 5, 1936 to the late Elisha and Cora Elizabeth Harris, in Princess Anne County, Virginia.He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at an early age, and became a member of Mount Bethel Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. There, he worked faithfully and diligently serving in Church School, the choir and other ministries.He was educated at the Princess Anne County Training School in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Following high school graduation, he worked multiple jobs during the summer and school year to finance his collegiate education. He earned a B.S. in Agriculture, and a M.A. in Agriculture Education from Virginia State College, and completed advanced studies at the College of William and Mary.On November 17, 1961, Leon was blessed with a lovely faithful wife, Martha Murray. They made their home in Suffolk, Virginia where they were blessed with three devoted children.Leon worked as an Agriculture teacher for Suffolk City Schools for many years. He was later employed at Paul D Camp Community College as a professor and Division Chairman for the Technology, Mathematics and Science Division. He was very active in the community and willing to serve however needed.He received many awards for faithful and dedicated community service from Gethsemane Baptist Church, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Holland Lodge #256; J. F. Thomas New Farmers and New Homemakers Camp Board of Trustees; Virginia State University Alumni Association, and numerous other organization.Leon has been a great inspiration to those in his path. He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife Martha Murray Harris; one lovely daughter, Casaundra Jirau (Alexander) of Perry Hall, MD; two sons, Carl Harris (Myra) of Raeford, NC and Albert Harris of Suffolk, VA; five grandchildren, Yahonsa Harris (Tasha) of Aberdeen, MD, Reginald Harris of Greensboro, NC, Kevin Harris of Woodbridge, VA, Brooke Harris of Greensboro, NC, Tamar Jirau of Perry Hall, MD; three great-grandchildren, Yahonsa Jr., Kevin Jr., and Quinton Harris; four sisters, Cora Basnight (Earl), Margaret Spence, Shirley Hinton, Eunice Harris (Henry); one brother, James Harris (Catherine); three brothers-in-law, Lucious Murray (Ruth), Winslor Murray, George Munden; one chosen son, George Jones, chosen daughter, Clara Carter, and a host of nieces, nephews, loving relatives, neighbors and friends.A celebration of life will be held 12 noon Saturday, April 23, 2016 at Gethsemane Baptist Church. He will be laid to rest in the church cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Leon Nathaniel Harris, please visit our flower store.