Lena Mae Harris

A Time to be Born: Lena Mae Harris, affectionately known as ‘Liddie Mae’ by her family and close friends, was a humble woman with a strong spirit. The third child and second daughter born of her parents, Arthur and Lula Hudgins in Grenada, Mississippi, Lena Mae began life on October 2,1929. In her youth, she committed her life to Christ, having been encouraged by her parent’s early Christian teachings and the importance of a relationship with God. Throughout her years, she held steadfast to her faith becoming a member of Bethlehem Healing Temple and later joining Deliverance Temple under the leadership of Bishop Harry R. Wilson.

A Time to Live, Love and Build: Liddie Mae grew up in Grenada, a part of the Mississippi Delta - an area known as the birthplace of the blues. While there, she attended elementary school and created a host of memories with her siblings, Arthur Jr., Mary Elizabeth and Lue Mae.

Lena Mae united in marriage with the late Marcella Lindsey in 1946 in Chicago, IL. During their life together, they raised seven children, three sons: Jimmy, Jerry and Marcellus and four daughters: Linda, Deborah, Flora and Lillian. Lena Mae’s family would continue to grow upon the birth of Joseph Harrison, Jr and again when she married the late Napoleon Harris with whom her family expanded to include another son, Donnie.     
     
Liddie Mae had a long career as a domestic caretaker, shepherding a number of families for more than fifty years. She was resolute in her two passions, God and her family – both of which comforted her throughout her many years.

A Time of Peace: Lena Mae Harris peacefully departed this life to be with her Heavenly Father on April 5, 2023 at West Suburban Hospital. She was 93 years young. Preceding her in death were parents, Arthur and Lula Hudgins; brother, Arthur Hudgins Jr., sisters, Mary Elizabeth Smith and Lue Mae Hudgins; daughter, Flora Lindsey; sons, Marcellus Lindsey and Joseph Harrison. She leaves to cherish memories of her life, Jimmy Lindsey, Jerry Lindsey, Deborah McKinnon, Lillian Lindsey, Linda Williams (Cardell) and Donnie Harris; twenty-three grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, church family and neighbors.

Lena Mae was a beautiful person inside and out. Her smile was warm, and the spirit of God dwelled within her. She cared so deeply for the people around her and she made an impact on countless lives. She will be forever missed. Until we meet again.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lena Mae Harris, please visit our floral store.