Oteria Harris (Lansing)

Miss Oteria Carniece Harris passed away Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at Sparrow Health Systems Hospital in Lansing, Michigan, at age 83 years old. She was born on August 31, 1938, to Wilford and Lizzie Harris in Armorel, Arkansas.

She came to accept Christ at an early age and was baptized. She attended public schools in Armorel and Harrison High School in Blytheville, Arkansas. In 1956, the family moved to Lansing, Michigan. She was employed by Michigan State University in the housekeeping department. She joined Union Missionary Baptist Church and was a member of the Gospel Choir.

In 1962, Oteria relocated to Minneapolis, Minnesota where she trained to become a key-punch operator and was employed by Graco. In 1968, she returned to Lansing, Michigan to be closer to family. She was employed by the Michigan Department of Social Services as a key-punch operator and advanced into management. After 30 years of employment, she retired in 1997. After retirement she worked at Riverview Place until its closing. She really enjoyed working with the staff and serving the patrons. She strived on making the guests feel welcomed and wanted them to have an enjoyable experience. She was a faithful attendant of the Wednesday night prayer service until the church closed due to the pandemic.

Oteria was an avid fan of the Michigan State Spartans (GO GREEN!) She was a season ticket holder for the basketball games and she watched all of the football games on TV. She enjoyed playing Bingo, going to the Casino (when health permitted), and most importantly, family gatherings. She also loved watching old westerns and any basketball, baseball, or football games on TV.

Oteria was a loving, humble, and compassionate person who never met a stranger. She could hold a conversation with anyone (Just like her dad). Above all, she loved her family unconditionally.

She leaves to cherish her memory her 2 daughters, Tonia (Alphonso) Council and Tracey Ann Harris; granddaughter, Tramaine Carniece Council; great-granddaughter, Toni Danielle Johnson; sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Moore; niece, Zelda Andrews of Ypsilanti, Michigan; 3 nephews, Ronald Harris, Calvin and Darryl Moore; 2 aunts, Mrs. Gertrude Pointer of Lansing, Michigan and Mrs. Estoria Christian of Kansas City, Missouri; many great-nieces and nephews and their families, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilford and Lizzie Harris; grandparents, Mr. Will and Mrs. Addie Harris and Mrs. Bessie Lamon; brother, Freddie Harris; niece, Jacqueline Campbell; Sister-in-law, Georcie Harris; and Brother-in-law, Edward Moore, Jr.