Homegoing Celebration for Mrs. Ruth Mickens Harris affectionately known as 'Rutha Mae', of Tampa who passed away on March 29, 2016 will be held on Saturday, April 9th, 11:00 a.m. at Peace Progressive M.B. Church, 2607 E. 24th Ave., Rev. Albert Gallmon, pastor officiating. The interment will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery. Ruth Mickens Harris was born on December 16, 1924 in Toomsboro, GA to the late Hailey and Belle (Nobles) Mickens. At the age of four, her family relocated to Tampa, FL. Mrs. Harris was educated in the Hillsborough County School System graduating in 1943 from Middleton Senior High School. On May 6, 1946, She married the love of her life, Anthony Alfonso Harris. He preceded her in death in December 2002. Mrs. Harris and her husband led an active life. Besides being involved with family, church and senior citizen's activities, they walked 3-5 miles daily. She continued walking after his demise and until her health declined. Having never driven, she mastered the HARTLINE schedules and could tell anyone who needed directions which one to take. In later years of Mrs. Harris' life, her nieces, Cheryl and husband Andrew provided her transportation. Mrs. Harris and her husband maintained a devoted and loving relationship with the Harris and McCarr families. They were the proud godparents of Sheldon McCarr and Duane Thomas. Their love was constant and up until her death, she was consumed with love for her godsons and their children. She was an extremely talented seamstress whose work was impeccable. Mrs. Harris also enjoyed crocheting. In fact, one can find her works of love today in the homes of both family and friends. Mrs. Harris' walk with Christ began at Mt. Carmel AME Church, Tampa, FL. She and the late Angeline Russ were the first women to study and receive a certificate from the Baptist Fellowship Center. A scholar of the Word, teaching Sunday School was her passion. She taught at First Baptist Church of College Hill and later at Peace Progressive Baptist Church. She joined the latter because she wanted to remain in the Baptist faith and because it was in walking distance from her home. When she was unable to attend Sunday School, her class would meet at her home on some Sundays. Throughout Mrs. Harris illnesses and hospitalizations, Cheryl was her constant caregiver. Assisting her with daily care were devoted neighbors, Nikki Rivers and Margie Nickerson. She was preceded in death by her brother, Pasco Nobles; nieces and nephews, Doris Thomas, Elizabeth Tim, Ruth Smith, Johnnie Mae Fleming, Emma Hendrix, Mary Harris, Claretha Harris, Howard Harris and Leroy Harris and special friend Mattie McCarr. She leaves to hold precious memories of her life: loving and devoted nieces and caregivers, Cheryl and husband Andrew Wilson, Sharman Thomas, S. Jeneil Thomas, Terril Nikki Rivers; nephew, Willie 'Guts' Hendrix; nephew/godson, Duane Thomas (Tia) and children Brianna, Mason and Madison; godson, Sheldon McCarr (Jennifer) and children Jasmine, Kesha, Tiffany, Keith and Jahia; a host of relatives including, the Belle Nobles, Susie and Jett Harris family; lifelong friend/neighbor, Mrs. Margie Nickerson and family; 1943 classmate/friend, Ernestine Ponder; Additionally, we would like to recognize lifelong friends and acquaintances of Mrs. Harris, The Wilson Family, Arthur 'Moochie' McCarr, Walter and Margaret Holloway of Toomsboro, GA; Jodie Rubio, Martha Wood and Billie Miller, Earl and Cherry Knighten , Rev. Dr. Florence H. Parra, Prayer Warrior Gloria Sterrex. The family would like to give special thanks and gratitude to the nurturing and caring medical teams, Dr. Colleen Campbell, Eve Brockington, Baycare Team 5, Christa, Rebecca, Morgan, Evelyn and Maria. and a host of other relatives and friends. The visitation will be held at Aikens Funeral Home on Friday, April 8th from 5 to 8 p.m. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The family and friends are asked to meet at the church on Saturday for the service.

Visitation
Aikens Funeral Home
Friday, April 8, 2016
05:00 PM - 08:00 PM
2708 E. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Tampa, FL 33610

Funeral Service
Peace Progressive Missionary Baptist Church
Saturday, April 9, 2016
11:00 AM
2607 E. 24th
Tampa, FL 33605