Allean (Artis) Harris

Allean Artis was born on December 13, 1931 to Matthew and Willie Washington- Artis.  She was the third child born to this union.  They resided in Steele, Missouri until their move to Hayti.  Her father worked as a farmer, migrant worker, and barber while her mother worked as a housekeeper and camp cook.  They purchased their home, raised their family and remained there until her father's departure from this life.  Allean and her siblings; Matthew, Louise, and Charles attended school at Central School.   They worshipped at the Central Baptist Church with their parents.  They often talked about the many experiences of their days growing up in Hayti, MO.

When she became a young woman she met James W. Harris.  The relationship blossomed and they were married.  To this union seven children were born.  They resided in Hayti until JW was drafted into the United States Army.  They traveled with the military until the war ended.  They returned home but was soon separated.  The strains (PTSD) from the war took its toll on the family.

She later met Sammy Caradine, and they formed a close relationship, building a life together for many years.  To this union four children were born.  The blended family remained in Hayti where they were raised together.  She enjoyed raising her children and grandchildren.  She loved gardening, sewing, traveling, and being active in the community.  Her favorite hobby was fishing, which she often did when she was in good health ( with Daisy Jones, Charles Zella Borders, and others).  Her passion was cooking, which she did often.  She worked magic in the kitchen!  Prior to working as a cook for the Head Start Program for over 30 years, she also served as a Head Start Teacher. 

She gave her life to Christ at an early age.  She worshipped at Central Baptist Church under the leadership of Allen Thomas and Tommy Allen (who both preceded her in death).  She enjoyed singing in the choir, ushering, teaching Sunday School, and staying in the parking lot after church was over (for what seemed like hours) talking to friends.

She departed this life on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at the Pemiscot Memorial Hospital after complications of pneumonia and the flu.  She left behind a legacy of love, community service, memories, stories, and lessons taught.  We will forever love and remember her.

She was the last survivor of her generation.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Matthew and Willie Artis; her infant son, Cornelius Harris; her siblings, Matthew Artis (Dewitt, MO), Charles Artis (Albany, New York), Louise Artis (Buffalo, New York), her spouses; James W. Harris and Sammy Caradine.

She leaves behind to cherish her memories: a nephew, Robert (Bob) Artis (Connie Artis) of Buffalo, New York, who was raised together with her in Hayti, MO; her children, James Harris Jr. (San Diego, Calif.), Patricia Harris (Omaha, Nebraska), Maurice (Lelia) Harris (San Diego, Calif.), Marsha (Jerry) Powell (Kansas City, MO), Glenda Harris-Hamilton (Hayti, MO), Leah (Joe) Peoples-Williams (Hayti, MO), Jeffery (Shondra) Harris (Hayti, MO), Anita (Gene) McIntyre (Foley, MO), Terrance Harris (O'Fallon, MO),  Amos (Diane) Harris (St. Charles, MO); 36 grandchildren, 55 great grand children and 1 great-great child.

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