Mother Martha Harris

Obituary for Martha Harris

Martha Harris was born on September 18, 1917, to her mother, Idela Foster, and a father unknown—both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her younger brother, Clifford Foster.

Martha’s life was shaped early by hardship and resilience. At just 17 years old, she witnessed the passing of her mother, an experience that strengthened her independence and instilled in her a powerful work ethic. These qualities guided her throughout her life and made her a devoted mother, grandmother, and matriarch. Although she attended school through the 11th grade, she made the selfless decision to leave school and work to help care for her family.

Around 1957, Martha moved from Lamont, Florida, to Bunnell, Florida, where she worked as a housekeeper at the Holiday Inn. She later continued her career at Bunnell Hospital until retiring at age 62. In 1981, she relocated to Gainesville, Florida, and by 1985 she settled in High Springs, Florida. There, she continued her lifelong service to others as a Foster Grandparent at an elementary school in Alachua until her full retirement in 1992.

In 1993, Martha joined Higher Anointing World Ministries, where she served proudly as one of the mothers of the Church. She loved serving the Lord, and she was often found reading her Bible or studying devotional guides. One of her favorite sayings—“If it is God’s will”—guided every decision she made. She lived her life committed to honoring God’s purpose and never moved without first acknowledging His will.

Martha loved her family deeply and enjoyed attending family gatherings. She had a playful spirit and found joy in video games, especially “Mario Brothers” and “Pac-Man.” She played a skilled game of spades well into her 90s and preferred partnering only with those who knew how to win—which usually meant playing with her grandson, Kasey Godwin, because together they made an unbeatable team. Martha kept her mind active throughout her life, spending her days coloring in adult coloring books or completing word puzzles.

Throughout her lifetime, Martha endured great sorrow, having to bury six of her nine children—an unimaginable hardship for any mother. Despite these painful losses, she remained strong, faithful, and unwavering in her commitment to her family. She dedicated herself to ensuring that her children’s legacies lived on through love, unity, and togetherness.

Martha was preceded in death by:

• Her second son, Roosevelt Harris
• Her firstborn daughter, Dorthy Mae Welcome
• Her seventh child and baby boy, Wilbert Harris
• Her fifth child, Barber Jean Gary
• Her fourth son, Rodester Harris
• Her son, Robert Lee Smith Sr.
• Her daughter-n-law, Catherine Smith
• Her Son-n-law, Eugene Agee
• She leaves to cherish her memory:
• Her daugther, Lorraine Agee
• Her devoted daughter, Vernie Godwin, who lovingly cared for her until her final breath
• Her son, Clifford Harris (Gloria Harris)
• Son-n-law, June Welcome
• Daughter-n-law, Penny Harris
• Daughter-n-law, Janet Harris
• Her Godson, Thomas Daymond
• Her Goddaughter, Margaret Daymond

Martha Harris leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of five generations, including 9 children, 47 grandchildren, 133 great-grandchildren, 202 great-great-grandchildren, and 42 great-great-great-grandchildren.

Martha Harris relocated back to Gainesville in 1996 until she went home to be with the Lord on November 24, 2025. She lived 108 years marked by faith, strength, service, and unconditional love. Her presence blessed every life she touched, and her legacy will continue for generations. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.