Wilbert David Harris

Wilbert David Harris, a distinguished educator, principal, mentor, and lifelong advocate for public education whose career spanned more than five decades, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the age of 83. A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, Mr. Harris dedicated his life to the belief that education transforms lives, strengthens communities, and creates opportunities for future generations. Through more than fifty years of faithful service, he became one of New Orleans' respected educational leaders, influencing thousands of students, mentoring countless educators, and leaving an enduring imprint on schools and communities throughout the city. A proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Mr. Harris pursued higher education with the same determination he later instilled in his students. He earned dual bachelor's degrees from Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, followed by a master's degree from Texas Southern University. He later completed graduate studies beyond the master's level (Master's +30) and attained ABD (All But Dissertation) status at Our Lady of Holy Cross College, reflecting his lifelong commitment to scholarship and professional growth. Over the course of more than five decades, Mr. Harris served as a classroom teacher, instructional leader, administrator, and principal throughout the New Orleans Public Schools and Orleans Parish School Board. His distinguished career included service at Walter L. Cohen High School, Alfred Lawless High School, Andrew J. Bell Junior High School, Charles J. Colton School, Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, McDonogh 35 Senior High School, Xavier University Preparatory School/St. Katharine Drexel Preparatory School, and St. Augustine High School. Even after multiple retirements, his commitment to education remained unwavering as he answered the call to serve once again, returning to McDonogh 35 Senior High School, where he concluded his remarkable career. Throughout his career, Mr. Harris taught history, English, speech and communications, journalism, theatre, fine arts, newspaper, and yearbook. He was a steadfast advocate for arts education, believing that the visual and performing arts, public speaking, literature, and journalism were essential components of a well-rounded education. His passion for the arts began during his collegiate years as a member of Southern University's theatre program and remained a defining characteristic of his educational philosophy throughout his career. Whether directing theatrical productions, developing cultural arts experiences, advising student publications, or encouraging creative expression, he understood that education extended beyond the classroom and that meaningful learning experiences helped shape confident, compassionate, and capable young adults. Mr. Harris believed that education was fundamentally about people. He held high expectations for every student while providing the encouragement, mentorship, and guidance necessary for them to succeed. Former students frequently returned years later to thank him for preparing them not only for college and professional careers, but also for the responsibilities of adulthood and life itself. To Mr. Harris, students were never simply names on a class roster or data points on a report; they were individuals worthy of investment, encouragement, and unwavering belief. His classroom became a place where students were challenged academically, nurtured personally, and inspired to discover their potential. His influence extended far beyond the schools in which he served. Colleagues respected him as an accomplished educator and administrator whose professionalism, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to excellence strengthened every institution of which he was a part. Students remembered him as a teacher who demanded their very best because he genuinely believed in their ability to achieve it. The countless educators he mentored, the school communities he led, and the generations of students whose lives he helped shape stand as the enduring testimony of his life's work. Mr. Harris is survived by his nieces, Gaurdia (Paul), Cassandra, and Terry Banister; his nephews, Gaurdie (Simin), Irving Jr., and Romero J. Stewart; together with a host of extended family members, former students, colleagues, lifelong friends, and members of the Greater New Orleans community whose lives were enriched by his guidance, leadership, and example. Mr. Harris was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Elsie Harris-Banister and Cleveland and Ora Harris; and his brothers, Gaurdie Banister, Sr., Joe Banister, and Irving Banister, Sr. Relatives, friends, former students, colleagues, and members of the Greater New Orleans community are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at McDonogh 35 Senior High School, Dr. Mack J. Spears Auditorium, 4000 Roneagle Way, New Orleans, Louisiana 70119. A Gathering of Family and Friends will begin at 12:00pm, followed by the Celebration of Life Service at 1:00 pm. Interment will be private. Arrangements entrusted to D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave., New Orleans, Louisiana. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook. "The measure of a life is found not only in the years it is lived, but in the lives it forever changes. Through faith, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to education, Wilbert David Harris changed countless lives. His lessons, his leadership, and his example will continue to inspire generations to come."