Obituary of Charliemae Harris

Charliemae (Poole) Harris, a longtime resident of Madison, NJ was called home by her Lord and Saviour on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026 at the age of 90.

Born on October 26, 1935 in Parrot, Georgia to Charlie and Mattie (Ellis) Poole, she relocated to Madison, NJ when she was around 10 years of age.  She would go on to build a life-long residency grounded by her faith, family and community.

Lovingly called Mommy and MaMa; affectionately called “Chuckie”, “Charlie”, and “Aunt Chuckie”.  Charliemae loved everyone and likewise, she was greatly loved!  A genuinely kind and virtuous woman, known for her love of God, her strength, gentle spirit, and infectious laughter. Her home was a safe and welcoming place, where meals and celebrations were regularly shared. The door was always open for loved ones even if only stopping by to say hello. She found great joy in cooking and baking and is well known for her now legendary German Chocolate Cake!  Charliemae greatly enjoyed caring for her children, grandchildren, her many god-children, nieces, nephews and friends as well.  She loved the arts including ballet, writing and reciting poetry, and coordinating weddings.  She was a graceful and poised woman, with an appreciation for etiquette and public speaking.  She was a member of the charitable organizations C.H.E.T.S. and Carettes, Inc. of Morris County; which recognize youth in their academic junior and senior years of high school with scholarships and “coming of age” celebrations.  She loved and was involved with community activities including her many years working the polls and serving as a senior citizen volunteer.  

Charliemae was a devoted Sunday school teacher and President of the Usher Board at the Church of God in Christ for many years.  People often wondered how she got the children to behave so well…it was all in her “bag” of treats!

Charliemae retired from Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill as an Executive Secretary after almost 30 years of professional service, dedication and creation of life-long friendships.

In her leisure time she enjoyed The Price is Right, Jeopardy, and the Soaps!  She enjoyed local events, especially Bottle Hill Day in Madison, where she could sit outside and enjoy food, music and townspeople.  She loved watching and cheering on the New York Yankees and New York Giants.  She was deeply moved by the rich voices of Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin and James Cleveland. She also adored classic movie stars such as Sidney Poitier, Elvis Presley and Marlon Brando. She was an enthusiastic collector of fine dolls, figurines, and various other collectibles. 

Charliemae will be remembered as a woman of unwavering faith, warmth, and generosity.  Her legacy of love, strength and compassion will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

She is predeceased by her son, Charles Marquis Harris; brother, Cleveland Poole; her sister, Corrine Holloman; and her grandson, Matthew Murrell.

Charliemae is survived by her loving daughters, Gia and Marsia Shuron; her brother, Ernest (Kathy), her cherished grandchildren Kyle, Devyn, Morgan, Cara and Deneitra; her great-grands Christian, Koah and Kade; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, god-children, extended family and dear friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation for Charliemae at the Church of God in Christ for All Saints - 3 Rev. G. A. Rogers Way (Rowe Street) - Morristown, NJ 07960 on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 10:00a-11:00a followed by her Celebration of Life Service at 11:00a.  Entombment will follow at Somerset Hills Memorial Park in Basking Ridge.  

You may also Live Stream the Celebration at the following platforms:

Facebook Live:  Church of God in Christ for All Saints

Here is the Zoom information:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3788522919?pwd=cRiHWtpVzYKHNnPdYALxWMX4Ya499u.1&omn=83636793359 

Meeting ID: 378 852 2919

Passcode: 066264

If you prefer, in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Charliemae’s memory to either the Lupus Foundation of America - 2121 K Street, NW - Suite 200 - Washington, DC 20037 or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital - 501 St. Jude Place - Memphis, TN 38105.