Bessie Lorraine Harris, 94, of Fresno, CA, went to be with the Lord on January 14th, 2026.  She was born in Raton, NM on April 23rd, 1931, and is survived by her children, Michael (Connie) Harris, Dennis Harris, and Karen (Marty) Hartwig, her seven grandchildren, Joshua, Andrew, Allison, Kristina, Emily, Megan, and Matthew, and her 12 great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Melvin Harris, her parents, Clarence and Bessie Smith, her brothers and sisters-in-laws, James (Myrtle) Smith, Wayne (Louise) Smith, Warren (Ola) Smith and her daughter-in-law, Kathryn Harris.

After her family moved to California from New Mexico, Bessie attended American Colony and Orange Center Elementary Schools and Washington Union High School.  Following her graduation from high school in 1949, Bessie attended Fresno Beauty College.  She then worked as a beautician and eventually owned her own beauty shop, which she sold prior to the birth of her first child, Michael, in 1958.

Bessie became an aunt at the age of 7, and was blessed with 8 nieces and nephews before she was married and had children of her own, which sparked a love of children that would span her lifetime.  When all of her children were in elementary school, Bessie became a first grade teacher's aide at Washington Colony Elementary School in Easton, which she retired from after 25 years.  For several years, she also had an after-school daycare for elementary school children in her home.  During her decades-long membership at Easton Presbyterian Church, Bessie also worked with children, serving as a Sunday School teacher, Youth Group leader, Vacation Bible School teacher, and in later years, a volunteer for Awana.  In addition, Bessie served as a deacon at EPC and was on the Board of the Easton Learning Center for many years.

Bessie's love of children was not only reserved for those in her care at work or church, her children and grandchildren received the best of that love. She was a fun and spirited mother and grandmother who perfected the balance of being both firm and kind, always making sure everyone was loved and cared for.  One of her favorite things to do was to have her grandchildren over, especially at Christmastime, for their annual Christmas tree decorating and baking.  She also hosted fun times like "Mud Day", Easter Egg decorating, and New Year's Day breakfast.  She and Melvin took many summer camping trips with their children and grandchildren, creating so many wonderful traditions and memories for her family.  She will be forever missed, and her legacy will live on through the lives of those she loved.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Easton Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Bessie to Easton Presbyterian Church.