Melvena Harris

Melvena Johnson Harris was born on December 15, 1957, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the fourth child of Willie J. Johnson Sr. and Thomasine Craig Johnson, who preceded her in death. She was one of six siblings: Vanessa (Wilbert) Littlejohn, Derrick Johnson (deceased), Willie J. (Diane) Johnson Jr., Sheila and Alisa Johnson. From her earliest days, she radiated a gentle warmth and kindness that drew people to her.

Raised in a home filled with faith and love, Melvena carried these values throughout her life. They shaped her into a woman of compassion, grace, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. She was called to her eternal home on Monday, November 17, 2025.

At the age of nine, Melvena accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at Willing Spirit Baptist Church, under the leadership of her grandfather, Rev. Robert E. Craig. Her life was rooted in faith from an early age, and she embraced her walk with God. On May 9, 1967, along with her three older siblings, she was baptized into the body of Christ. Her love for the Lord showed not only in her words but also in her service — teaching the Junior Class in Sunday School and serving as an Usher at Willing Spirit Baptist Church.

After graduating from Western Hills High School in 1976, she began her career with The Kroger Company. She later worked with dedication and integrity at Western & Southern Life and the KnowledgeWorks Foundation, where she retired in 2010. After retirement, she embraced a new role close to her heart - caring for her grandchildren, whom she adored and nurtured with unwavering love and devotion. When she wasn’t with her grandchildren, she loved to shop. The sales associates knew her by name and always seemed find exactly what she would like.

She carried her faith like a light. It grounded her, lifted her, and became the foundation on which she loved her family and poured into everyone around her. In 1997, Melvena joined in fellowship at El-Bethel Baptist Church (later becoming Zion Bethel Christian Fellowship), always stepping in wherever she was needed without hesitation. Among her many acts of service, she faithfully served as the Church Clerk at Zion Bethel, handling every record, note, and responsibility with personal care and excellent attention to detail, She remained faithful in her service to the body of Christ until the very end, living her faith through action.

That same unconditional love flowed into every part of her life, especially in how she cared for her family and created a home filled with laughter, wisdom, and comfort. She is survived by her devoted husband, Steven W. Harris, of 32 years; her two loving daughters, from a previous marriage, Kira M. (Kenyon) Turner and Deidra R. (Courtney) Sofer; two cherished granddaughters, Keaton G. and Mackenzie R. Turner; and one chosen grandson Kenyon A. Turner and a host of family and friends who will forever hold her memory close

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