Joe Ellen (Jackson) Harris, 75, of Bainbridge, passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2014.

Joe Ellen was born Feb. 8, 1939 in Amsterdam, Ga. To the late Reggie Jackson Sr. and Lou Ellen Jackson. She joined Smith Grove M.B. Church, where she confessed Christ at an early age. She was educated in the Decatur County Public Schools and received her high School diploma from Mt. Moriah High School in 1958. In 1958 she married the late Sam Harris Jr. and to that union four children were born.

Jo Ellen was employed at Jack Winters as a seamstress and Henderson Grocery Store as a cook. During that time she developed a strong love for gospel music, singing in the church choir and two gospel groups, The Harris Family Singing Starlites and the New Singing Stars.

Joe Ellen also served as the church secretary and a Sunday School teacher at Smith Grove for many years.

Leading up to her passing, she truly enjoyed visiting her nieces and nephews for Sunday brunch and good conversations.

She was preceded in death by her husband Sam and two children, Karen L. Washington and Kenneth L. Harris Sr.

Joe Ellen leaves to cherish her memory, a son, Keith L. Harris (Delkeisha) of Attapulgus, and a daughter, Kristie L. Harris of Tallahassee; eleven grandchildren and great-grandchildren, David Jr., Kenneth Jr., Delanta, DeMonica, Le Trenton, Latavia, LeTreyveon, Jailyn, David III, McKenzie and Kayden; a sister Edie Folds of Jamaica-Queens, N.Y.; a son-in-law David L. Washington Sr. and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Bruton Mortuary was in charge of arrangements,