After a life well lived, our beloved, Alejandrina “Marcela” Harris departed earthly life on March 26, 2025 at the age of 98. Marcela, as she was affectionately known, was born on March 13, 1927 to Alexander and Marie St. Omer. She was raised in Bocas del Toro, Panama along with her 6 siblings. She relocated to Colon, Panama where she met her dearest life-long friends as well as her beloved husband Aldolphus Harris. Aldolphus and Marcela were married in 1951 and raised three (3) children: Jestina “Tina”, Alberto “Aleman”, and Lidia.

Marcela was a wonderful homemaker and instilled in her family her unwavering faith in God. Marcela was a devout Catholic and found solace and strength in her faith. She prayed the rosary and her devotionals every morning.

Beyond her role as a devoted mother and wife, Marcela was a beloved grandmother. Although she remained in Panama after her children relocated to the United States, she was always active in her grandchildren’s lives. She never missed a birthday, graduation, wedding, birth or other special occasion. She was the matriarch of her family, and brought laughter and joy to all of her grandchildren’s lives.

Marcela enjoyed singing, dancing, listening to a variety of music, attending Mass, and watching musical programs. She was an avid gameshow fan and loved comedy. She enjoyed activities such as sewing, crocheting, and socializing with friends. She also cherished drinking her morning cup of hot tea and savoring a delicious piece of cake.

In her final years, she was surrounded by her family in Columbus, Georgia who helped her navigate through her advancing age.

Marcela was departed in life by her parents; her 6 brothers and sisters: Rosa, Alfonsina, Benoit, Pedro, Idelfonso, and Visanto; and her dear husband Adolphus.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Jestina (Roberto) Bryan, Alberto (Ada) Harris, and Lidia (Paul) Landry; seven (7) grandchildren: Roberto Jr. (Alicia) Bryan, Jeannelle Bryan, Jahir Harris (Nedish), Sharita Harris, Lisha Landry, Patricia (Maurice) Lewis, and Shaquille Harris; seven (7) great-grandchildren: Keturah Harris, Jadyn Bryan, Amiel Williams, Elyce and Julisa Harris-Lopez, and Mason and Roman Lewis; two (2) great-great grandchildren: James and Jaslyn Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews, god-children, bonus grandchildren, cousins, and cherished friends.

Marcela leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion to family, and faith. She will be missed by all who love her. Her love and spirit that touched so many will live on forever.

The Homegoing Celebration for Ms. Harris will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 3:30 PM in the Chapel of Progressive with interment at Evergreen Memorial Garden. Service will be live-streamed (see clickable link below)

Visitation will begin on Friday at 1:30 at Progressive.

We rejoice that she is now at peace in the arms of her Savior. In the words of her favorite hymn:
“When Christ shall come, with a shout of acclamation.
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart. Then I shall bow, in humble admiration.
And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art.”

Progressive Funeral Home staff is privileged to serve the Family of Ms. Alejandrina Harris.