Pastor Novella Harris
In Loving Memory of Pastor Novella Harris
Sunrise: August 5, 1946 – Sunset: December 9, 2024
Pastor Novella Harris was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, respected educator, visionary community leader, and a powerful vessel of God. For 47 beautiful years, she shared her life and ministry with her husband, Bishop Robert W. Harris, together raising four children and cherishing four grandchildren.
Since 1983, Pastor Harris stood faithfully beside her husband as a co-founder and spiritual leader of Grace Cathedral International, located at 886 Jerusalem Avenue in Uniondale, NY. Under their joint leadership, the church blossomed—acquiring its own building and nurturing a congregation of over 500 members.
On March 31, 1996, Pastor Novella Harris was consecrated as Pastor of Grace Cathedral, where she ministered with humility, strength, and unwavering faith. She taught, preached, counseled, and led with grace—organizing and overseeing numerous auxiliaries and church functions that built a spiritually enriched and deeply connected community.
Pastor Harris also left an indelible mark in the field of education. She retired in 2008 after years of dedicated service at Davison Avenue Elementary School in Malverne, NY, where she served in various roles including Second Grade Inclusion Teacher, Art Teacher, Environmental Studies Instructor, and Early Childhood Educator.
Her deep love for children and education extended beyond the classroom. In May 1995, she founded the Sure Foundation Child Care Center, Inc., a $600,000 state-of-the-art facility and playground in Uniondale. This center continues to nurture and inspire generations of young learners, standing as a testament to her vision and legacy.
