Jennifer Harris

On January 7, 1954, in Austin, Texas, our Lord in Heaven blessed the world with the birth of Jennifer Grant Harris, and on August 23, 2025, the community began to mourn the passing of a strong and upright citizen, one that was a blooming icon for her family, her community, her church, the city, the county, and the state of Texas. Jennifer was known to many as “Jen” and was born January 7, 1954, to Robert Lee Aldridge and Eurick Grant Sr. Jennifer was raised by Viola and Ernest Marshall and had a strong Christian foundation, which led her to accept Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was baptized at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Perry. Jennifer attended the local schools of the Austin and Taylor School District, including O. L. Price in Taylor, and graduated from Johnson High School in Austin. She extended her education through a business school in Austin.

Jen was blessed with one child, Elecia Michelle, and in 1983, they were united in Holy Matrimony to Roosevelt Harris, who had two girls, Tamara and Kameka. Together, they began making memories as a family. Roosevelt was the love of life.

Jen and Roosevelt were state employees. They were connected and rooted, enjoying each other, as life carried them. Jen retired from the State Comptroller’s Office after more than twenty years. The couple moved back to Taylor, and Jen got involved with community and city activities. She loved her family and family gatherings, although she was not a cook, Sug always prepared a family dinner for the holidays. She supported her husband in his ministry from his first sermon in 2006 to his current role as Pastor at Goodwill Baptist Church in Milano, Texas, as of 2021. She was more than just the Pastor’s wife; a loyal and faithful member, she served where she was needed, including the Church Clerk, Deaconess, and Treasurer, wherever her services were required. She served faithfully with her mission sisters, sharing the gospel with other churches and mission auxiliaries around Bastrop County and the Taylor area. She was a distinguished community leader. We are indebted to God for the profound influences she had on our lives through ministry and her community outreach. Jen worked with the community to form the Blackshear – OL Price Ex-Students Association, which was dedicated to the Dickey Museum & Multipurpose Center to promote a community of love, health, and wellness.

Jen is preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Elecia Milligan, and all her siblings.

Sug leaves in God’s hands to share her legacy – her husband of forty-four years, Reverend Roosevelt Harris, children, Tamara and her husband, Richard Rackley, and Kameka Harderman; son in law, Frank Milligan; two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; her in-laws – Tommye Faye and her husband, Patha Hendericks, Vanessa Blunson, Jimmy Harris, and Joseph Clayton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends, including the Goodwill Baptist Church family.

Jennifer, or Jen or Sug, was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend—Jennifer, whose love and spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Family and Friends will gather for a Celebration of Jennifer's Life at Elgin Funeral Home on Thursday, September 4th, at 11:00 AM with Pastor Roosevelt Harris presiding. Inurnment will be private.