Marcelline Elizabeth Harris

Marcelline Elizabeth Harris September 7, 1940 - March 14, 2024 Marcelline resided in Eatontown, NJ for the last 6 years. Before Eatontown, her family resided in Fair Haven, NJ and Chelmsford, MA She was born September 7, 1940, in Long Branch, New Jersey the second of fourteen children. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Jesse Harris, her parents Hayward and Hazel Riley, sisters Cecile Cowser, and Kristine Dooley and brothers Craig Riley and Richard Riley. Marcelline is survived by her five children: Christopher Harris of Lowell, MA, Jesse Harris Jr. of Bladensberg, MD, Stacy Harris and wife Magda of Eatontown, NJ, Jacqueline Severinsen and husband Kenneth of Eatontown, NJ and Jason Harris and wife Jennifer of Sparta, TN. She also is survived by ten grandchildren whom she adored: Jordan Harris, Keonya Reed, Ariana Ryan, Jesse Harris III, Tyrone Harris, Kenny Severinsen, Kimarley Harris, Jesse Harris, Hazel Harris, and Janelle Harris. In addition, she was excited to be a great-grandmother to 1 year old Jazlynn Harris and step-grandmother to Ava and Aubree Gentile. Marcelline is also survived by her siblings: Merrily Herring of Framingham, MA, Linda Watkins and husband Arthur of Middletown, NJ, Suzanne Riley of Red Bank, NJ, Nadine Chaffin of DeSoto, TX, John Riley and wife Lorraine of Red Bank, NJ, Harry Riley and wife Carol of Bethlehem, PA, Michael Riley of Middletown, NJ, Adrienne Campbell and husband Phillip of Fair Haven, NJ, and Patricia Crichlow and husband David of Lakewood, NJ. She also has a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and family whom she loved to spend her time with. Marcelline attended Fair Haven’s Willow Street School and then graduated from Rumson-Fair Haven High School in Rumson, NJ in 1959. She was an excellent student who excelled in sports, especially, Softball and Field Hockey. She was a member of the Debating Club, English Club and Knitting Club during her time at RFH and had many friends. Later in life, after her children were older, she obtained her bachelor’s degree in finance from University of Lowell (now UMASS Lowell) in Lowell, MA in 1982. After graduation, she procured a position in Accounts Payable for the Purity Supreme grocery store chain in Billerica, MA. After early retirement, Marcelline moved from Chelmsford, MA to Fair Haven, NJ in order to care for her ailing mother. Marcelline became a devout member of Fisk Chapel AME Church in Fair Haven, NJ after returning to her hometown. Fisk Chapel was home for Marcelline as her parents were active members of the congregation. Over the decades she held the positions of Stewardess, Class Leader, Steward Board Member, member of the Asbury Park Area Women’s Missionary Society, and Fisk Culinary Committee member. Most recently she was the Fisk Chapel Treasurer and the President of the Fisk Arnett Missionary Society. Fisk Chapel has been the family church of Marcelline and the Riley family since its beginning more than 150 years ago. Marcelline and husband Jesse continuously aided Fisk Chapel in service to God and the community through fellowship, fundraising, and more. Marcelline was a truly dedicated servant of God, her family, friends, and her community. Marcelline's viewing will be held 9 AM to 11 AM with her service at 11 AM on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Fisk Chapel AME Church, 38 Fisk Street, Fair Haven, NJ 07704. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in Marcelline’s memory to: Fisk Chapel AME Church 38 Fisk Street Fair Haven, NJ 07704