Our grandparents, Larnzy and Annie Mae Harris are the reason we are here today. We gather in this setting to honor them and other forebears from the Harris-Hampton clan. We have made this commitment to come together as a group to sustain our unity and to reconnect not only for the pleasing of our ancestors, but for God's pleasing. Least we not forget how much we really need each other for support and survival. To our grandparents we pay homage.
Larnzy Harris (Oct. 10, 1903 - Oct 10, 1983), the son of Jacob and Lucy (Coopwood) Harris was born in Holly Springs, Mississippi. His maternal grandparents were Jane Tucker (Coopwood) and Mr. <unknown> Coopwood. Larnzy's paternal grandparents were Gillis Harris (presumed) and the grandmother is currently being researched. Larnzy had four brothers: Eugene, Earl, Otis, and Maple. He had one sister, Loxie Harris (DOB unknown). Larnzy's aunt was Mandy Coopwood Johnson. Larnzy spent a period in Cape Girardeau, Missouri and later came to Forrest City, Arkansas where he met Annie Mae.
Annie Mae Hampton (June 5, 1911 - Nov. 15, 1969), the daughter of Ed Hampton Sr. and Claudia (Davis) Hampton was born in St. Francis County, Arkansas. Her maternal grandparents were Lewis Davis and Francis Griggs. Annie Mae's paternal grandparents were John Hampton and Lucy Hampton. Annie Mae had one brother, Edward Hampton and one sister, Lessie Mae Hampton. Annie Mae's uncles were Eldridge, William (Doc), Lawrence, and Waverly Davis. Her aunts were Ethel and Gertrude Davis. Her grandfather's sisters were Lucy and Marian, and grandfather's brothers were Isaac and William Hampton.
Larnzy and Annie Mae were married February 1, 1926, in St. Frances County in Madison Arkansas. They made their home in Forrest City, Arkansas until they migrated to Gary in 1942. They were the parents of 13 children.
The Harris-Hampton union provided for their children, by working on a farm. They were technically known as sharecroppers. Wanting a better life for their family, they decided to move north. In 1942, Larnzy traveled to Gary, Indiana, found employment with United States Steel. He worked and saved enough money to send for his family. Annie Mae and their seven children traveled by train to Gary, Indiana.
In Gary, they with their seven children, lived with Annie Mae's uncle and aunt, William (Doc) and Velma (Roby) Davis at 1700 Georgia Street. They resided with Uncle Doc and aunt Vel for several months before moving next door to 1704 Georgia Street. It was at 1704 Georgia Street that Flora (Mar. 10, 1944 - Jan. 30, 2002) was born. In 1946 they with the help of their, then eldest son, Jake, purchased a home at 1540 Vermont Street. At 1540 Vermont, three more children were born: Edward (Dec. 2, 1946), Annette (Jan. 5, 1949), and Othellus (Mar. 1-2,1951).
Many happy times were shared on Vermont, including the birth of many grandchildren. In 1960, due to redevelopment, the family moved to 2962 W. 11th Avenue, no children were born at this address, only more grandchildren. Larnzy Jr. resided there until 2005.
Together, they raised their children teaching them lessons, not found in schoolbooks, and not taught in classrooms, but lessons that would last a lifetime. Belief in God, hard work, honesty, and family commitment were their greatest dreams for their children, grandchildren, and all of the generations to follow. We, the off springs of Larnzy and Annie Mae, are here to pay tribute to them and honor our humble, but mighty roots. The seeds they planted were nurtured with love.
