Betty Jean Harris

Betty Jean Harris, 99, of Silvis, Illinois, formerly of Rock Island, Illinois, died Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at Aspen Rehab & Health Care, Silvis.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 15, at New Life Apostolic Church of God, 218 35th Avenue, East Moline, with Pastor Krista Tyson officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to services. Burial is in Rock Island National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established in Betty’s memory. 

Born on April 8, 1925, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Betty was the daughter of Ola and Esther (Smith) Haywood. She married Buford Harris on May 29, 1953, and together they raised two children. Buford preceded her in death on March 15, 2001.

Betty dedicated a significant portion of her life to caring for others as a nurse’s aide, serving at Moline Public Hospital and in home care. Her unwavering faith and commitment to her church were cornerstones of her life. Betty was a minister and evangelist, actively involved with the former Apostolic Truth Temple in East Moline and Rock Island, and later at New Life Apostolic Church in East Moline. Her deep knowledge of the Bible was matched only by her love for her church community, where she served as head of the usher board and enjoyed cooking for bake sales.

In her leisure time, Betty thrived in her creativity, indulging in crafts such as crocheting and sewing. She had a remarkable talent for making hats from scratch and sewing suits without patterns. Betty also found joy in gardening, but her greatest love was always her family. She cherished spoiling her grandchildren and fostering close relationships with her loved ones.

Betty is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Alphonse Martin, Sr. of Davenport; her grandchildren, Marcus (Gabriela) Harris of Moline, Damar (Liyah) Hampton of Davenport, Jonathon Lankford of Rock Island, Alphonse (Sharon) Martin, Jr. of Bettendorf, Andre Davis of Rock Island, Toniika Davis of Davenport, Peter Bourrage of Davenport, and Melissa Bourrage of Davenport; great-grandchildren, Teriona, Mariah, Malena, Damarkia, Damarionah, Kimaria, Harmony, Symphony, Aizarion, Janice “JZ”, Tahivona, Alijah, Myriah, Taliyah, Dalyah, Alona, Jamaree and Alontae; and a host of extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Buford Harris; her son, Gary Harris; her grandson, Gary Bourrage; and brothers, Matthew Haywood, Jacob Haywood and Jessie Mae Craig; and sisters, Rena Dawkins and Nellie Hawkins.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.