Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

From Agape Health Services

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. J. Robert Harris, a beacon of service and leadership, who passed away on July 15, 2024, at the age of 98. A founding member of the Agape Board of Directors and Metropolitan Community Health Services, Mr. Harris’s impact on the community is profound and far-reaching.

Born on April 10, 1926, Mr. Harris dedicated his life to serving others. He was a pillar of strength and leadership in his community, particularly through his unwavering commitment to Agape Health Services. Since 1999, he served as chairman of the Agape Board of Directors, overseeing the organization’s growth from a single-location healthcare clinic to a robust multi-location network. His tenure is a testament to his steadfast dedication and visionary leadership.

 In recognition of his invaluable contributions, the Agape Administration building on S. Market Street was named in his honor as the J. Robert Harris Administration Building.

 In 1985, Mr. Harris was one of the founders of the Zion Shelter and Kitchen in Washington, North Carolina, driven by his deep commitment to helping those in need. Despite initial opposition, Mr. Harris secured a permanent location for the shelter at the Metropolitan AME Zion Church. For many years, he served as the shelter’s executive director without pay, dedicating his time and resources to ensure that the hungry and homeless received meals and support. His tireless efforts included personally preparing meals and organizing educational programs for the shelter’s clients.

 Even in his 90s, Mr. Harris remained active at the shelter, working in the kitchen, receiving food donations, and greeting clients. Today, Zion Shelter continues to provide hot lunches for 30-35 people Monday through Friday and bagged lunches on Saturdays, a testament to Mr. Harris’s enduring legacy. His son, Keith Harris, now continues his father’s work as the chief cook and manager of the shelter.

Mr. Harris’s contributions extend beyond Agape Health Services and Zion Shelter. His accolades include numerous awards recognizing his community service and dedication:

• Community Service Award from the Black Christian Service Award, July 13, 1996.
• The Caring Communities Can Coalition Award for his dedicated service to people experiencing homelessness, October 27, 2005.
• Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church Appreciation Award as Co-Vice Chairman for his love, dedication, and commitment, June 25, 1995.
• Metropolitan Heritage Award in honor of Black History Month for his outstanding service to the church and community, 2004.
• Chairman Robert Harris Plaque for his years of dedicated service to Metropolitan Community Health Services, Inc., 2014.
• J. Robert Harris Appreciation Day Plaque from Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church for his loyalty and dedication, June 17, 1994.

Mr. Harris graduated from Winston-Salem Teachers College with an associate degree, then went on to North Carolina Central University, where he earned a master’s degree in education. He was also an active member of the Beta Iota chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, a fraternity known for its commitment to leadership and community service. The Alpha Pi Lambda Chapter, the graduate chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha in Winston-Salem, continues to uphold the values and service that Mr. Harris embodied throughout his life.

 Beyond his community service, Mr. Harris had a distinguished career as an educator. He taught social studies at John Small Elementary School for 35 years, shaping the minds of countless students and instilling in them the values of knowledge, integrity, and community service.

 On behalf of Agape Health Services and the Agape Board of Directors, as the community comes to terms with the loss of a great leader, Mr. Harris’s legacy of compassion, dedication, and leadership will continue to inspire future generations. The community is encouraged to keep Executive Director Laurence Doby, Chairman of the Board Keith Harris, and the entire Harris family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

 Service Information:

The public viewing will take place on Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at L.R. Memorial Chapel, 208 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Washington, NC. During other times, the family will receive friends at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Darlene Moore, located at 109 Croatan Street, Washington, NC.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at Metropolitan AME Zion Church, located at 102 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Washington, NC. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Washington, NC.

 To send flowers, please contact: Leon Randolph Funeral Home

• Website: leonrandolphfh.com
• Email: leonrandolphfh1934@aol.com