Obituaries

Joseph “Joe” Lee Harris, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, was born on July 16, 1936, and passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026.

Joe lived a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and service. He was a faithful member of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church for 19 years, a proud member of the NAACP for 20 years, and a member of Beulah Masonic Lodge #6 in Clarksburg for 15 years. He proudly served in the United States military and was a dedicated and hardworking man throughout his life.

Joe worked for more than 30 years at Anchor Hocking as a glassmaker. Affectionately known as “Papa Joe” for driving the CHUMS Daycare Center bus for more than 10 years, he later went on to work for several years at the Pepper Plant.

Joe enjoyed fishing, working word puzzles, watching sports, and spending precious time with his family. He was a devoted and die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan. Above all, Joe cherished his family and was blessed to share 67 years of marriage with his loving wife, Geneva Harris.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Zaddy and Lena Harris; his son, Leroy Harris; his great-grandsons, Akeem Jarelle Zaddy Tinker and Tamonte Harris; his niece, Melissa Harris; and 10 siblings.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 67 years, Geneva Harris; his children, Joseph Harris Jr. and wife Rhonda of Ithaca, New York; Louise Turner and husband Kenneth of Leavenworth, Kansas; Christine Harris of Clarksburg, West Virginia; and Jonathan Harris Sr. and wife Danielle of Clarksburg, West Virginia.

He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: LaToia Harris and LaTrisha Harris of Ithaca, New York; Shanique Joyner and Karissa Harris of Clarksburg, West Virginia; Jaleesa Hill of Steubenville, Ohio; Jennifer Williams and her husband, Christopher, of Clarksburg, West Virginia; Jonathan Harris Jr. of Clarksburg, West Virginia; Tanner Harris and his wife, Chelsea, of Clarksburg, West Virginia; Tirrell Harris and his wife, Jaden, of Clarksburg, West Virginia; Adam Harris and his longtime companion, Shari Webb, of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Clover Veal and her husband, Drake, of Norway; and Demeka Tolbert and her husband, Marcus, of Leavenworth, Kansas. He was also blessed with 26 great-grandchildren.

Also surviving is his brother, James Harris, and his wife, Louise, of Akron, Ohio; his sisters-in-law, Ada Brinson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Fannie Hilliard of Clarksburg, West Virginia; his niece, Betty Gordon of Wheeling, West Virginia; and many other loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Joe will forever be remembered for his love of family, strong work ethic, loyalty, and the countless memories he shared with those who knew and loved him. His legacy of love, faith, and devotion will continue to live on through the many generations of family he leaves behind.

Rest peacefully, Joe. Your love and memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved and adored you.

Family and friends may call at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 315 Water St, Clarksburg, on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, where the funeral service will be held at 11:00 am with Pastor Frank Harriston presiding. Interment will follow in the Shinnston Memorial Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com. A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.