Joseph Harris Sr

Joseph Hollis Harris Sr., affectionately known as “Hop”, transitioned from this life to his eternal resting place in heaven on May 10, 2021. Hop attended St. Paul the Apostle primary school and was a member of the first graduating class. He was so advanced academically, that he skipped 3rd and 5th grade and went on to become class valedictorian. He then attended St. Augustine high school for three years, before finishing from Joseph S. Clark High School. While Hop had numerous scholarship offers upon graduation, he decided to enter the workforce to help support his family, where he had an illustrious 40-year career working on the New Orleans riverfront. Along with his wife, he was a founding member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, serving in many ministries throughout the years including, the Altar Servers, Holy Name Society, and 55 and Faster. Hop was a member of the 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Masons. His faith in the Lord was strong and served as the basis for his actions. He was a wise man and a trusted mentor and advisor to many. He enjoyed going to concerts, listening to music, going to Saints and Pelicans games, but most of all he enjoyed having philosophical conversations about history, politics and sports, in particular, but life and life lessons, more generally. He had enough “sayings” to fill a book and truly enjoyed the company of family and friends; the sound of laughter always brought him joy. As his illness progressed and his voice became faint, when asked what he was saying, on more than one occasion he said, “I’m praying … talking to the Master! It is well!” One of his favorite scriptures was, “Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Ps 133.1 Hop was united in marriage to the love of his life, his faithful and devoted wife of 57 years, Geraldine Marie Boyd, on January 23, 1960. To their union was born four children, Joseph (Michelle), Evette (Melvin), Lerone, and Paulette (Richard); ten grandchildren, who were his pride and joy: Natasha, James, Ariana, Joseph, Kelly, Candis, Areah, Montel, Destiny, and Maegan; and six great-grandchildren, Janiyah, Kenzie, Jo-Jo, Marlie, Ashton, and Micah. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Geraldine Harris; parents Alfred Harris and Isabella Sorrell Harris; one brother, Alvin Williams; and one sister, Joann Pollard. He leaves to cherish his memory, two sons, Joseph Jr. and Lerone, two daughters, Evette and Paulette; ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Gerald and Alex; three sisters-in-law, Delores, Eugenia and Renee’; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Mass at 10:00am on Saturday May 15, 2021, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6828 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA. Visitation will begin at 9:00am. Interment: Mt Olivet Cemetery, New Orleans, La. Due to ongoing COVID precautions masks are required during the service, along with social distancing, as directed.