Cloteal Maxwell Harris

Cloteal Maxwell-Harris was born to parents Jerry Maxwell and Minnie Maxwell. Both Jerry and Minnie originated from Jackson, Mississippi. Cloteal was an only child but she shared her birthday with our country’s annual celebration of Independence Day also known as July 4th. Not only did she celebrate her birthdays with cake and ice cream, but she also enjoyed a fantastic grand display of fireworks every year! Cloteal lived her entire life in St. Louis, Missouri. Shortly after High School, Cloteal gave birth to her daughter Gale Maxwell-Sey (deceased). Cloteal was a single mother until she met and married her husband Willie Harris. From this union, she gave birth to two sons, Jerry Harris, Jr. and Donnie Christopher Harris (deceased). It was during her years of motherhood, raising three children that a bond developed with her dearest acquaintance, Geraldine Henry. This bond would solidify a life long friendship. Cloteal also became an invaluable contributor to her community church (St. Matthew The Apostle Community Church). She gave back tirelessly to the community in which she lived and served for many years. Albeit, substituting as a first grade teacher at St. Matthews primary school or delivering meals to senior citizens through the Meals on Wheel Association in St. Louis. During Cloteal’s later years she enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family that also includes two granddaughters, Tammy Maxwell and Ama Sey of Worcester, MA. It was during these visits that her influence on both the girls became evident in many ways, from cooking and sewing lessons to shopping. It was later on that the girls helped keep their Granny “young and stylish”. Cloteal could relate to all young and old and was loved by all those who knew her. She was not shy about making new friends wherever she went either. She lived each day with fervor and possessed a smile that was infectious to all around her. Her family will say she lived and loved life to the fullest! Sadly, after over a year of illness, Cloteal relinquished her battle for a more peaceful place in Heaven on Monday, July 7th, 2014. She will be missed by all those who knew her. Cloteal is survived by her son , Jerry Harris, two granddaughters, Tammy Maxwell and Ama Sey and one three month old great-granddaughter Santi Anais Sey-Mullington. Cloteal has a host of nieces and nephews and cousins, across the country as well. Last but not least, is her dearest friend Geraldine Henry. Proceeding her in death is her husband Willie Harris, daughter, Gale Sey, son Donnie Harris and granddaughter, Melinda Harris.

Cloteal Maxwell Harris

July 4, 1925 - July 14, 2014