Edna Mable Turner Harris was born June 23, 1932. She was the beautiful baby girl, born to Alice Jackson and Homer Turner in Birmingham, Alabama. Her parents preceded her in death. Edna accepted Christ at an early age, and was baptized into the body of believers at St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church, Birmingham Alabama. It was at St. Luke where she began and completed her Christian journey. She faithfully served in the following capacities until challenged by her health: Class Leader, President and Life-Member of the Women's Home and Overseas Missionary Society (Parent Body), Sunday School Teacher (Crawford/Cunningham Bible Class), and member of the Steward Board member and Christian Education Department.
While living in New York and San Jose' California, she united and served faithfully with Mother A.M.E. Zion Church (N.Y.) and First A.M.E. Zion Church (San Jose').

Edna met the love of her life (Aaron Harris) as a poised and beautiful young lady, during Junior Choir Rehearsal at St. Luke. They were joined in Holy Matrimony in May 1954 at Mother A.M.E. Zion Church in New York City. To this union, two sons were born, Kevin Brian and Edwin Maurice Harris.

The scholarly Edna Harris began her education in the Birmingham Public Schools. She attended East Birmingham Elementary School (Mrs. Jennings), and Thomas and Lincoln Elementary Schools. She was an Honor graduate of A.H. Parker High School (c/o 1948). She received her Bachelor Degree in English with Accelerated Distinction from Miles College. Edna earned and was awarded the Master of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education from New York University in 1951 at the young age of 21. Her love for learning motivated her to pursue and complete more advanced training at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

As an Educator, Edna Harris began her professional journey in New York. She was employed as an Elementary School Teacher, by the New York City School District for 12 years. She and her husband Aaron relocated to San Jose' California, where she served the Alum Rock School District as a teacher with her customary excellence for 25 years.

Edna's Notable Achievements include: Induction and life membership into the Eta Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated; Bicentennial Commissioner (San Jose', California); Miles College Honoree as an outstanding Board Member of the W.A. Henderson Foundation (Debating Academy); Talladega College Alumni Association commendation, and Founding President of Magic City Social Set of Just Good Friends Inc.

Edna Mable Turner Harris departed this life Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 7:23 p.m. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her Grandmother, Mary Jackson. She regarded her Grandmother (Mary) as vital to her growth and success.
She leaves to cherish her memories and legacy, a loving husband of 62 years Aaron Harris. two sons, Kevin Harris of New York, N.Y., and Rev. Edwin Harris (Cynthia) of Pontiac, Michigan; four grandchildren, Aaron Alexander, Adam Benjamin, Alisa Christine, and Andrew David; three sisters, Larquita Washington, Rhonda Mathies, Deborah Hardison (Don), and one brother, Ronald Washington (Emily); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Family Hour will be held Friday, November 18, 2016 from 6:00 until 7:00 P.M. at Smith & Gaston Southside Chapel. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 19, 2016 at 12:00 Noon at St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church with emtombment in Elmwood Mausoleum.