Joel Harris was born to the late Joel Harris Sr. and Mrs. Bertha Harris in Chicago in 1953.

Growing up, Joel was a member of LeClaire Missionary Baptist Church and sung in the Angelic Choir.

Joel attended Devry Institute of Technology in Chicago. In addition, He worked as a security guard at a residential building where the late Jerry Springer lived and shared many laughs with him. Joel was a sports enthusiast. He loved the Chicago Bulls, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears.

The late Mrs. Veronica Jones, Joel's loving wife. Denetra Lynn Gaye, the late daughter of Joel, preceded him in death. He leaves a beloved family. Vivian Harris of Chicago, IL. Marlene (John) Washington of San Diego, CA. Bennie Harris of Chicago, IL. Niece, Kimberly Harris of Escondido, CA. Nephews, Aaron Harris of Chicago, IL and John Washington, Jr of San Diego, CA. Stepdaughter, Keyisha Jones of Danville, IL.

Joel and I were very close. I am very blessed to be his deaf niece and he is always my favorite uncle. I miss his infectious smile, his funny jokes, I miss his greetings with warm hugs and playing on my shoulders. I miss talking with him over the phone through relay service for the deaf. He was a very important part in my entire life. Thank you for being there for me when I needed you. I miss you so much. Love you always, your niece, Kimberly Louise.

Saw the coolest stepfather any girl ask for. He is always there when I need him, he is always there for me and my kids. He help play big parts in our lives, we miss you dearly. I miss hearing your voice and your smile, love always, joel. Dorian, Kelton and Ruben as grandkids and six great grandchildren, Love your stepdaughter, Keyisha Jones. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8 38-39 KJV