Mrs. Eileen Harris, 96, of Berrien Nursing Home, Nashville, GA passed away at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta, GA on Wednesday October 13, 2021 after an extended illness.

She was born in Tarrytown, FL on May 1, 1925 to the late Charles "Charlie" P. Parish and Ethel Oma Knight Parish. She graduated from Webster High School in 1943 and moved to Jacksonville, FL where she met and married the father of her three children. They made their home in MacClenny, FL until their separation. Eileen joined the workforce as a secretary/bookkeeper with Sumter Electric REA after moving with her children to Tarrytown, FL. She later met and married John W. "Jack" Harris, Sr and moved to Nashville, GA to become a blended family with his three children. Eileen assumed the responsibilities of running the household, along with serving in numerous churches as a pastor's wife and a member of the choir.  She was extraordinarily loyal, constant, honest, and humble.  She was devoted to God, her husband, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, and friends.  She loved deeply, and was deeply loved.

Eileen had a smile that would brighten anyone's day and was an excellent cook whose food made everyone in the family happy.  Her pot roast was scrumptious, as were her "over-the-top" multi-layered chocolate cakes and her "best-in-the-world" chocolate pound cake.  She always had an open-door policy to all who wanted to gather around her table.   Anyone was welcomed to enjoy the food and spirited, fun-filled conversations that came along with it.  Family meals were filled with laughter and non-stop comedic relief.  The antics of the children brought Eileen immeasurable happiness and memories she cherished for years to come.  She will be remembered as a loving and devoted mother.

After the children left home from Adel, GA and moved away to start their own life pursuits, Eileen followed her husband to Valdosta, GA and resumed her career.  Upon their retirement, they made their home in Nashville, GA at the old Harris homeplace and became devoted members of the First Baptist Church of Nashville where they developed many long-lasting friendships.

Survivors include a daughter, Janice McEwen Bonnell (John) of Valdosta, GA; daughters-in-law, Edie Talley McEwen of Brownwood, TX and Lonna Heick McEwen of Savannah, GA; stepson, John W. "Johnny" Harris, Jr. (Angela) of Atlantic Beach, FL; stepdaughter, Ann Mary Hampton (Chris) of AZ; 16 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.  She is also survived by a brother-in-law, George Wayne Harris (Rett) of Calhoun, GA.

Eileen was pre-deceased by her husband of 56 years; sons, Robert Odell McEwen and Terry E. McEwen; grandson, William Odell "Bill" McEwen; parents; stepson, James Douglas "Doug" Harris; step-grandson, Bradley Harris and step-great granddaughter, Haley Ann Cummings; brothers, Cyril Elmo and James Charles Parish; sisters, Jennie Howell, Dorothy McElveen, Katie Ray Parish; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Perry Alton "P.A." Harris, Jr. and Virginia Harris.

A private family graveside service will be held Tuesday, October 19. 2021 at Westview Cemetery in Nashville, GA with interment to follow.  Dr. Keith M. Stewart will be officiating.  Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Nashville, GA (301 W Washington Ave Nashville, GA 31639)or to the American Diabetes Association (P.O. Box 7023 Merrifield, VA 22116-7023).  Lovein Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.