Michael Bernard

Harris

Michael Bernard Harris, "Mike" as he was affectionately called, was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, on March 26, 1946, to the union of the late Robert Edward Harris, Sr., and Dorothy Arcana Stenson-Harris. He was the fifth of thirteen children and was raised in a family that deeply valued faith, hard work, and service.

Mike grew up under the spiritual tutelage of the late Pastor Martin H. "Dad" Hawkins at the Zion Church of God in Christ of Toledo, OH, where he professed faith in Christ and committed his entire life to the Lord. Under the leadership of "Dad" Hawkins, Mike developed a foundation in the Word of God and a lifelong commitment to showing love and kindness to others.

Mike was educated in the Toledo Public Schools system, graduating from Libbey High School, before serving in the military from 1965 to 1968. For a brief period, he attended Bowling Green State University. At an early age, Mike and his brothers were taught to play instruments and played in the local church band organized by their father. This spirit of service became a defining characteristic throughout Mike's life as he faithfully used his gifts and talents to glorify the Lord. From his youth through adulthood, he served faithfully in church music ministries, playing with church bands at the United Church of God in Christ under Superintendent Daniel Cunningham and later at Temple of Praise Church under the leadership of his son, Dr. Michael Carr.

On July 26, 1996, Mike was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Patricia Clinton. Together they shared a blessed union and were blessed with ten children. Mike learned the value of hard work, which prepared him to work faithfully at General Motors Corporation, Powertrain Plant of Toledo, OH, where he was a skilled die caster. After 40 years of service, he retired, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and cherished friendships.

Mike was ordained and served as a Deacon at the United Church of God in Christ and later at Temple of Praise Church. He was a man of God who served with humility, compassion, and generosity. He loved the Lord, loved his family, and loved his church family. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings.

Mike leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife Trish; their ten children: Michael (Denise) Jones, Dr. Michael (Erica) Carr, Aireal Clinton, Minister Michelle (Michaelallen) Mungin, Kelly Harris, Kayla (James) Henry, Whitney (John) Robinson, Brittney (Antwon) Whitaker, Pierre (Tericka) Harris, and Sara Harris; 18 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; three siblings: Martin Harris, Mack Harris, and Molly Harris; a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

The family would like to express sincere thanks to the staff of the ProMedica Health System, Mercy Health, and Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their loving care and support.

To accommodate all who wish to celebrate Deacon Michael Harris' life, the family kindly requests that guests attend one of the scheduled services during the two-day celebration.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Temple of Praise Church. Gifts can be made directly online via Cash App: $topchurch10 or mailed to Temple of Praise Church P.O. Box 140372 Toledo, OH 43614. Please note "Harris Memorial" in the memo line. Condolences may be emailed to the church at: thetopchurch10@gmail.com