Mabel Harris

A Time to Be Born
Mabel Ruth Simmons was born February 9, 1931, in Union, South Carolina. She was a daughter of Eugene and Phronie Chalk Simmons.

A Time to Grow
Mabel attended the public schools of Union County. She also continuously pursued lifelong learning through a variety of classes.

Mabel had an active work history in her early years and found her calling with The Torrington Company where she was employed for 20 years. She retired with a wonderful record and many accolades. After retiring, Mabel along with other co-workers formed a retirement club as an outlet. They had regular meetings at various restaurants and traveled together. The club remains active today.

Mabel married the late Benjamin Thomas at an early age. Two children were born from this union, Donald and Gwendolyn. In her golden years Mabel met and married Rice Harris. With that union she gained a daughter, Connie Thomas, Union, SC.

Mabel had a strong commitment to her community engagements. She was a member of the Union County Democratic Committee and served as a board member of the Mental Health Association in Spartanburg, SC.


A Time for Faith
Mabel accepted the Lord at an early age. Having a strong faith, Mabel was always very active in church activities. Mabel served several ministries at Corinth Baptist Church, Union, SC, for over 60 years. After relocating to Greenville County, Mabel connected with Tabernacle Baptist Church. She enjoyed participating in Tabernacle’s Senior Ministry as long as she was able to attend.
A Time to Depart
On Saturday, June 18, 2016, our beloved Mabel entered eternal rest while residing at Greenville Place, a Memory Care facility. Although it may be beyond our understanding, we are comforted by the life she lived, the love she shared and the legacy she leaves behind. Mabel will always be remembered for her lovely smile. She never met a stranger and always left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mabel was preceded in death by three brothers, Eugene (Annie Mae) Simmons, Matthew (Mary) Simmons and Herbert Simmons and two sisters, Rebecca (Willie) Gist and Thelma (Jessie) Gilliam.


A Time to Mourn
Mabel leaves to cherish her memories: two children, Donald (Elsie) Thomas of Columbia, SC and Gwendolyn Thomas Wilson of Taylors, SC; seven grandchildren, Symuel (Chavonne) Good of Simpsonville, SC, Garrick Good of Washington, DC, Sonya (Michael) Booker of Charlotte, NC, Mabel Gwenetta Gossett of Atlanta, GA, Tracie Thomas of Charlotte, NC, Devin (April) Gossett of Greenville, SC and Eldon Thomas of Charlotte, NC; thirteen great-grandchildren, Jasmine (Brentt) Simmons, Ashley Good, Devonne Good, Kristen Good, Mykella Collins, Tatiana Gossett, Taylor Gossett, Eden Gossett, Julian Gossett, Lyric Gossett, Quincy Martin, Chris Martin and Devarian Laquez Ray; two great-great grandchildren: Devarian Good and Jordaine Collins and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving friends.

Mabel lived a long and fruitful life. She lived to see five generations of her family. Her dedication to her family was passionate. She never missed a moment to share her family pride to anyone who would listen.