The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23 (King James Version)
Mrs. Mattie Simmons Harris, age 98, of LeCompte, Louisiana, entered her eternal rest on March 17, 2026. Mattie was Born on May 11, 1927, in Cheneyville, Louisiana. She was the cherished daughter of Virginia Cheatam Simmons and Winfield Simmons. She was raised in the Cheneyville and Lamourie communities, where she developed the strong faith and values that would guide her throughout her life. At an early age, she was baptized by the late Rev. E.C. Curtis. She joined St. John Baptist Church where she remained a faithful and devoted member.
In March of 1951, Mattie was united in marriage to Noah Harris of LeCompte. Together, they built a loving home and were blessed with six children. Mattie was a devoted wife and mother who worked tirelessly to create a life rooted in love, protection, and purpose for her family. Her strength, sacrifice, and unwavering care shaped generations.
Mattie was employed at Purkey Nursery, where she worked faithfully until her retirement at the age of 70. She developed a close relationship with her employer, Margery Poole Purkey. She was known for her warm spirit, her radiant smile, and her kind heart. She made friends wherever she went and was the type of woman who would give her last to someone in need. Her beauty was not only seen outwardly but deeply felt by all who knew her.
Her life was anchored in her faith in God. She faithfully served at Saint John Baptist Church as a choir member, Deaconess, and Trustee always demonstrating humility, grace, and devotion.
She was a proud and loving grandmother to Noah Harris Jr. IV, Tomika Harris, LaTrice Harris, Ophelia Joseph, Tyesha Joseph, and Norah Joseph, Meagan Houston, Robert Rashad Houston, Kenrick Frank, Courtney Frank, Jametra Frank, Tiffany Harris Smith, Diona Harris, Dior Harris Juarez, Jamesha Harris, Marquita James, Dionte’ Kirk and Dewun Davis.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory her daughter, Rosemary Harris Houston (Robert) of Anniston, Alabama; her sons, Noah Harris, Jr. (Patricia) of LeCompte,, and Elvis Harris of Hitchcock, Texas, her faithful son-in-law Hilton James Frank of Lake Charles; her sister, Doris Baker and a host of nieces, nephews, great – grandchildren, great- great grandchildren and extended family who will continue to carry her legacy forward.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Noah Harris; her parents, Virginia and Winfield Simmons; Three of her children, Dorothy Mae Harris Johnson, Janice Marie Harris Frank, and Marvin Wayne Harris; two of her grandchildren, Stephen John Johnson and Christopher Joseph, and siblings, Lettie Simmons Duhon, Carrie Mae Brown, Lloyd Simmons, Floyd Simmons, Winfield Simmons, and Willie Lee Simmons Tatum.
Service will be held on Saturday, March 28 at 11 am at St. John Baptist Church in Lecompte.
Mrs. Harris lived a long and meaningful life marked by faith, family, and love. Her legacy will live on in the lives she touched, the values she instilled, and the memories that will forever be cherished.