Shelley Odett Evans Harris

Shelley Odett Evans Harris Shelley Evans Harris, age 68, was born on July 10, 1957, in Wilmington, Delaware, to the late John S. Evans and Delores E. Birthwright. She was raised and nurtured by her uncle, Charles H. Evans and aunt, Dorothy C. Evans. Shelley transitioned from this life on April 21, 2026. Shelley received her early education in the Wilmington Public School System and graduated from Howard High School in 1975 as the class valedictorian. In high school, Shelley served as the class secretary, ran track, played the clarinet, and was a member of the band. She was also a math, music, and social studies honor student. Upon graduating from high school, she attended Delaware State College (now Delaware State University), where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, class of 1979. During college, Shelley was a member of the Gospel Choir and marching band. She attended Delaware Technical and Community College Wilmington (now George Campus), where she received a certificate in clerical studies. Shelley was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Harvey G. Harris, on September 27, 1986. Together, they developed an exceptionally strong bond of love and care, which was evident to everyone they knew. Shelley was overjoyed with the birth of her pride and joy, their daughter, Sierrah A. Harris. Shelley proudly shared the accomplishments of her daughter with anyone who would listen. She enjoyed planning extravagant events to celebrate her daughter’s accomplishments, including her dance recital receptions, walk-a-thon competitions, and high school graduation party. Shelley was employed by the Department of Veteran Affairs for over 30 years, Christiana Care Health System, and the Wilmington Public Library security department. Shelley attended Mother U.A.M.E Church and St. Paul U.A.M.E Church in Wilmington, Delaware. She has always been supportive of her family church, Union A.M.E Zion Church in New Castle, Delaware. Throughout the years, she attended and supported Union Wesley U.M. Church in Frankford, Delaware (Clarksville). She and her family regularly attended the annual Union Wesley Camp Meeting. Shelley loved to sing. She was given the nicknames “songbird” and “Shirley Caesar”. She formed several choirs, including The Richardson Gospel Singers and A Portion of Unity Family Gospel Choir. Later, Shelley would go on to become a member of The Delaware Glory Boyz, where she continued to use her God-given gift of singing and developed a spiritual family with the members of the group. Shelley enjoyed family gatherings and good cooking, especially Aunt Dot’s baked beans, potato salad, fried chicken, and other specialty dishes that were brought to family gatherings. She enjoyed reminiscing about cherished memories growing up on 14th Street. She was known for gifting a fruit basket for any celebratory or sentimental occasion. She enjoyed the fun and fellowship of attending Delaware State University’s homecoming with her cousins and friends. Shelley was known for her infectious voice and laughter. She was instrumental in organizing religious and social bus trips. Shelley was always willing to lend a helping hand to others. She willingly and unselfishly gave of her talents, treasures, and time to any and all who were in need. Spending time with her nieces and nephews was another one of her great joys. Shelley was preceded in death by two brothers, Stephen A. Evans and Jerome S. Evans, and one sister Valarie A. Evans. She leaves to cherish her memory, a devoted husband, Harvey G. Harris; daughter, Sierrah A. Harris; one brother, Thomas V. Evans; one sister, Rev. Jacqueline Evans-Wilson; one aunt, Phyllis J. Evans; one nephew, Ebon Morris; three nieces, Tamdea D. Smith, Alita R. Lee, Cassandra L. Smith-Cabrera (Linda); great-nephews and nieces Jahkeem Lockhart, Daysha Jackson, Adrianna Bolling, Alasia Slade, Astraya Hoskins, and Jaheem Gadsden; great-great nephews and nieces, Nori-Ava Lockhart, Zykeem Hoskins, Zamiyah Jackson, Jade Coverdale, Kendall Hawkins, and Matteo Rivera; a devoted friend, Carolyn Martin (Lewis); and a host of family, cousins and friends. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds solace in God’s promise of eternal comfort and everlasting life. As it is written: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” - Psalm 23 “On the wing of a dove, I’ll take my flight way beyond the clouds until I shall meet my Savior face to face and receive my golden crown and slippers. Thank you, God, for strength when mine was gone, and Your peace and love to make it to my eternal home. Do not grieve for me, for I am in God’s loving care.”

Shelley Odett Evans Harris

July 10, 1957 - April 21, 2026