Ilah Harris

Ilah Harris – age 90 of Jamesport, MO passed away Tuesday morning, October 8, 2019, at Wright Memorial Hospital in Trenton, MO.  Ilah was born October 3, 1929, the daughter of Homer and Etta (Smith) Walker in Jamesport, MO and was married to her late husband, Delvin “Jack” Harris, in October of 1967 with which she shared 48 years.

Her ties to her community were enduring and many as she was a lifelong resident of Jamesport and a 1947 graduate of Jamesport High School.  One of her proudest accomplishments was that she attended all 74 alumni banquets during her life beginning as a server her sophomore year.  She also was a long-time member of the Jamesport Baptist Church where she loved sharing her voice in both the choir and performing solos, as well as teaching Sunday School.  She was also a member of the Eastern Star (of Jamesport) and was a founding member of the Jamesport Community Association.  She and Jack notably helped the church by donating the building for the Mustard Seed.

She was also an extremely hard worker employed for several years as a teller and secretary at the Home Exchange Bank.  Ilah and Jack owned and operated Gas Buggy Antiques all the while owning I-Del Kennels where she raised dogs and supplied many wonderful memories to countless families over the years.

For all that hard work, what she really enjoyed was growing beautiful flowers in the garden and her playtime with her dogs.  She also took joy in preparing excellent meals for others, most notably her delicious pies and loved knitting and sewing for her grandchildren at Christmas time.  She will be missed by all who knew her, but dearly so by her family and friends.

Mrs. Harris was preceded in death by her parents; infant sister, Iris Irene; grandson, Jason Stotts; great granddaughter, Cressa Scates.  Her survivors include: daughter, Majiel (Ernie) Urech of O’Fallon; son, Troy (Nancy) Smith of Jamesport; son, Max (Kathy) Smith of Chillicothe; daughter, Patricia (Ron) Cunningham of Raymore; daughter, Tina (Nestor) Leon of Pleasant Valley; 11 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren. 

The family wishes to express appreciation for the excellent care Ilah received the last 6 years from caregivers coordinated by Margaret Kauffman who treated her as family.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Jamesport Baptist Church or Green Hills Animal Shelter in care of the funeral home. 

Memorial Service: 11 AM Friday, October 11, 2019 at Jamesport Baptist Church.

Visitation: one-hour prior (10 AM) at the church. Burial at a later date at Masonic Cemetery in Jamesport. 

Arrangements entrusted to Stith Funeral Home, Jamesport. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com

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