While at home, surrounded by the family she loved, Carlene (Tiny) Reid Harris, 86 years old, was received by her Heavenly Father, on February 20, 2015. Carlene had battled back from a devastating stroke in 2004 because of her strong will to live, her unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family and friends. Funeral services were held at 6 PM, Monday, February 23, 2015 at Dwight Baptist Church. Rev. Larry Fuhrman officiated. Burial was at Crestwood Cemetery. Crestwood Funeral Home directed services.
Carlene made her arrival in Gadsden, AL on December 19, 1928, as the only daughter of Richard and Dwynell Kilgo Reid. As the oldest of her siblings she was lovingly referred to as "the boss."
With Carlene's gift of hospitality, she was constantly nurturing others through teaching children in Sunday School, leading youth Bible studies in her home, feeding youth choirs on Sunday afternoon or inviting friends and family into the home for fun events. Her faith was a gift and a joy to those around her.
Carlene married her childhood sweetheart, Nathan Lee Harris (Sonny) on October 4, 1947. Married for 68 years, Carlene was the epitome of the Proverbs 31 woman. She was a devoted wife and mother of three: Sharon (Chuck) Young, Cindy (Clark) Greer, and Mark (Alicia) Harris.
Having worked as Office Manager for Gadsden Paper Company for 30 years, Carlene retired in 1990 and used her energy and zeal for life to love her nine grandchildren who lovingly called her Bebaw: Craig, Cari, and Chris Robinson; Rachel Neal, Brandon and Jordan Greer; Jessica Thrower, Lyndsey and Brett Harris, and the sixteen great-grandchildren God gifted to her.
Carlene's favorite past-times were her family, reading, sewing, and traveling. Her tireless energy was witnessed by all who knew her.
Carlene was predeceased by her parents: Richard and Dwynell, her brother, Kenneth, and son-in-love, Billy Robinson. She is survived by her brothers, Bobby (Fay) Gadsden, Mack (Lynn) Sarasota, FL, and sister-in-love Margy, Rome, GA. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and the Jean Fisher family, Missouri.
Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Special thanks to Jessica Simmons who lovingly cared for Carlene. In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Westbrook Christian School Scholarship Fund, 100 Westminster Drive, Rainbow City, AL 35906.
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:20.
Friends and family were welcomed on Monday, 4-6 PM at Dwight Baptist Church.