Harris celebrates 100 years of life

By Inesha Jackson

Ida Mae Matlock Harris celebrated turning 100 years of age on September 4, 2021, with family, friends, and those that cherish her life and legacy. On this day, Mrs. Harris was celebrated with many testimonials, songs, dances, and more by people that were positively influenced by her. 

Harris was born August 27, 1921, to Thomas and Mandy Matlock. Among her 14 siblings, only one other sibling remains today, Rev. Frank Matlock of Carthage, Mississippi. 

On July 9, 1942, Ida Mae Matlock married the late King Roger Harris. To this union of 52 years, ten children were born. Four of them have already passed on: Manda Mae Thigpen, George Harris, Lillian Harris, and Billy Harris. Their remaining children include Erma Truss, Roger Harris Jr., Jerry Harris, Lucille Thigpen, Ed Harris, Teacola Seals, and a granddaughter she raised as her own, Edna Brown.  

During the earlier years of her life, Harris loved and enjoyed things like farming, gardening and raising farm animals with her husband and family. Together, they planted many crops, such as sugar cane, corn and cotton. While the other crops were very successful, the cotton was short-lived, due to her children setting it on fire while playing. In her spare time, she also loved making beautiful quilts and cooking. Aside from farming, cooking and spending time with her family, she also did full time work. Harris worked at the Madison County Nursing Home, where she retired after thirty years of service. 

With 100 years of life, Mrs. Ida Mae Harris’s life and legacy is celebrated by all that love her.