Vallary Jean Harris (Lansing)

Ms. Vallary Jean Harris passed away Monday, March 11, 2024, at McLaren Greater Lansing in Lansing, Michigan. Age 75 years. She was the only child born to Jesse and Robbie Harris on Friday, October 15, 1948, in Lansing, Michigan.

Vallary accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior at an early age. Vallary was a graduate of J.W. Sexton High School, Lansing, Michigan, earning a Bachelor’s of Sociology Degree at Western Michigan University; a Master of Psychology Degree, at Hunter College, New York City (NYC); and a Licensed Real Estate Broker, New York State.

Vallary moved to Queens, New York in 1967 where she resided for approximately 50 years. While in New York, she was employed at several state and local organizations: Director of the NYC Women’s Shelter; Program Director of the Women In Need/Alexander Abraham Residence; Assistant Manager of the US Commerce Census Bureau in NYC and Michigan; Director of New York State (NYS) Department of Mental Hygiene/Kingsborough Psychiatric Center; Program Director/Vocational Counselor for the NYS Office of Mental Retardation Rehabilitation/Developmental Disabilities; and Program Counselor/Case Manager, for the United Cerebral Palsy Association NYS.

Vallary possessed an extraordinary passion for the needs of all people. She was an avid reader and world traveler visiting Egypt, Israel, France, Africa, and Jerusalem to name a few. She was one of 11 young women to participate in the Les Meres el Debutantes of Lansing Michigan’s first annual “Debutante Cotillion Ball” in 1965 themed “Fantasia.”

Several years after retirement, Vallary made the decision to move back home to Lansing, Michigan where she lived until her passing.

She leaves to cherish her memory, beloved cousins, Mrs. Elizabeth Harris-DeLay of Adelphi, Maryland; Mr. Samuel Harris of Wendell, North Carolina; Mr. Kenneth Harris of Takoma Park, Maryland; Mrs. Rita (Alfred) Lipford of Greenville, North Carolina; Ms. Shunea Donaldson of Charlotte, North Carolina; Mrs. Margie (Lezley) McCall, Mr. Robyn Johnson both of Detroit, Michigan; Mrs. Jacqueline (Randy) Johnson of Dallas, Texas; Mr. Jay Johnson of Miami, Florida; Mr. Rayford Johnson, Mr. Tim Johnson, Mr. Patrick Johnson, Ms. Renee Rogers, Mr. Lamar Rogers, Mr. Willie (Marilyn) Rogers, Ms. Michele Rogers-Strong, Mr. Mark Rogers, Ms. Felicia Lawrence, Mrs. Shirley (Curtis) Smith, and Ms. Sharon Lawrence-Taylor (devoted Caregiver) all of Lansing, Michigan; other relatives and friends including loyal and dedicated forever-friends, Dr. Surae Eaton, Ms. Barbara Davis, Ms. Ann Graves, Mr. James Davis and Ms. Roselyn Abrams.

Vallary was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Jesse and Robbie Harris; Mr. William “Sandy” Saunders-Beasley; and Mr. Jimmy Edward Wilkerson (Partner).