Obituary

Shirlean Lewis Harry

September 23, 1940 - July 1, 2026

On July 1, 2026, Shirlean Lewis Harry peacefully departed this life and entered eternal rest after a long battle with illness. She was born September 23, 1940, the second child of the late R.B. Lewis and Cassie Lee Weary in Varnado, Louisiana. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was known for her unwavering faith, compassion, generous spirit and warm smile that touched the lives of everyone around her. She leaves a legacy that will be forever cherished. 

Shirlean accepted Christ at an early age and became a devoted member of New Zion Baptist Church in Angie, Louisiana. She later united with Asbury Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church under the leadership of Rev. James Good, Sr., where she faithfully served on the Deaconess Board, as a Sunday School teacher, in the Christian Education Department, as a Matron Life Member, and as a member of the Women's Home and Overseas Missionary Society (WH&OMS) of the A.M.E. Zion Church.

Her commitment to Christian education extended beyond her local church. She served as the Director of the Adult Christian Education Department of the Mobile District of the A.M.E. Zion Church. She also served as the Recording Secretary of the South Central Region Christian Education Department of the A.M.E. Zion Church until her health began to decline.

Shirlean graduated from Wesley Ray High School as a member of the Class of 1959 before continuing her education at Grambling University in Louisiana. After marrying the love of her life, Milton Harry, she relocated to Pascagoula, Mississippi, where she continued her pursuit of higher education through Tuskegee University and later at William Carey University, earning a Master's Degree in Education. With a passion for learning and a heart for serving others, Shirlean dedicated 33 years of faithful service to the Pascagoula-Gautier School District as an educator, positively impacting the lives of countless students before retiring.

Shirlean always wore a smile and had a special way of making others feel loved and appreciated. She enjoyed volunteering, helping those in need, and was known for her kind, caring heart. Her love and compassion will be remembered by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her father, R.B Lewis; her mother, Cassie Lee Weary; her brothers, Leon Lewis, Lovaughn Lewis and Artis Jean; her sister, Minnie Ruth Johnson.

To cherish her precious memories, she leaves her loving and devoted husband of 63 years, Milton Harry of Moss Point, MS; her loving children, Kenneth L. Harry and Miltonya Johnson(Odell); seven beloved grandchildren: Kenneth Wells of Gautier, MS; Kenyelda Harry of Clarksdale, MS; Kenswaua Harry of Clarksdale, MS; Bobbie Jackson of McComb, MS; Kuyonda Hawkins (Terrell) of Moss Point, MS; Kalyah Opoku Ansah (Stephen) of Minneapolis, MN; and Jasmine Johnson of Moss Point, MS; one cherished great-grandchild, Lauren M. Opoku Ansah; Her devoted sister-in-law, Barbara J. Otis Lewis of Baton Rouge, LA; four beloved nephews, Gregory Lewis (Mary) of Baton Rouge, LA; Kevin Lewis (Ebony) of Baton Rouge, LA; Kelton Leon Lewis of Baton Rouge, LA; and Ray Anthony Harry of New Orleans, Louisiana; Raymond Poke of Moss Point Mississippi; three beloved nieces, Althea Smart of New Orleans, Louisiana; Shelia Harry of Metairie, Louisiana; and Marie Rivera of Metairie, Louisiana; devoted friends, Annie Kelly, Melva Ann Jackson, Johnny and Rhenette Blake, Sue Seals, Jacqueline Patton, Gloria Jean Hunt, Ben Bolton, and Paulette Bolton, Darlene Thomas, Voncile Smith, Terri L. Thompson; cherished cousins, Barnette Moses,  Mary Fisher, Novella Webb (Cookie), Louise McCall, Vernadine Roberts, Duuana Harry, Stephanie Harry, and Roberta Harry; along with a host of other loving relatives and dear friends.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on July 8, 2026 at Ashbury Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, 1109 Convent Avenue, Pascagoula, MS 39567. Viewing will begin one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Machpelah Cemetery, Pascagoula, MS.

Unity Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Mosspoint, MS is in charge of arrangements.