Minister Marie R. "Penny" Eldridge-Harris

            On Sunday, February 24, 2019, God sent His Angels to the beside of Minister Marie Renee Eldridge-Harris, lovingly known as “Penny”, to escort her to her new position as Praise Leader of the Heavenly Choir.

            Minister Eldridge-Harris was born November 12, 1961 in Warren, a daughter of John Henry Sr. and Martha J. Hardin Eldridge.  She was a 1980 graduate of The Rayen School and a graduate of Raphaels School of Cosmotology.  She had been employed as a chef with the Hope Academy for Autism.  An entrepreneur, Penny was owner/operator of “Penny’s Place” Soul Food Restaurant, was a day care provider and a licensed beautician.  She was a member and associate minister of the Sword of The Lord Global Ministry and served as Praise and Worship Leader.  She was known for her passion for singing, was a gospel recording artist, singer/songwriter, and was always concerned and praying for others during her battle with her own illness.  Penny enjoyed cooking, hair styling, walking and being with her loving family. 

            Marie leaves to mourn her passing, but to celebrate her peace, her mother, Martha J. Eldridge of Youngstown; her husband, Jerome E. Harris, Sr. whom she married March 13, 1981; two daughters, Tiara Harris and Cierra (Jeremy) Whitfield; a son, Jerome E. Harris, Jr. all of Youngstown; a stepson, Brian Harris of New Castle, PA; four grandchildren, Trinity, Jordan, Kaitlynn and Jabreal “King”; five sisters, Bobbie Harris , Mary Vera Eldridge, and Doris Harris all of Youngstown, Ruby (Waverly) Cecil and Minnie Eldridge both of Georgia; four brothers, Pastor Bennie (Gwen) Hardin, Pastor Kenny (Co-Pastor Dione) Eldridge, Terry Eldridge, and John Lee Eldridge all of Youngstown; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

            She was greeted at Heaven’s Gate by her father; a sister, Bertha M. Eldridge; a nephew, Terrence Cecil; and a grandson, Jeremy C. Whitfield, Jr.

            Public viewing will be from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2019  at the L. E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home.   Friends may call from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 9, 2019 at the New Bethel Baptist Church, with funeral services to begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. 

            A Musical Tribute will be held on Friday at 7:00 p.m. at the Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church, 1210 Himrod Avenue, Youngstown.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

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