NaDean Harris

NaDean Harris was born on January 2, 1959, in Los Angeles, California. to two loving parents, Lola Jackson and Alvin Johnson. She was raised in a warm, filled home where the values of love, kindness. & perseverance were deeply rooted.

NaDean’s educational journey began at Hooper Avenue Elementary School, followed by Edison Junior High School. She graduated from Manual Arts High School and went on to pursue higher education at Pepperdine University and Pacific Beauty College.

From a young age. NaDean gave her life to Christ. She was baptized and became a devoted member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, where her faith blossomed. She was an active member of the youth choir and later the senior choir, and she faithfully attended Sunday school The church became her extended family, and her spiritual foundation grew strong within those walls.

In 1977, NaDean met and fell in love with Robert “Smiley” Washington. From their union, they were blessed with a daughter, Nyieasha YonNeen Washington-Grimes. Later, in 1985, she met John Michael Harris-the love of her life. They married on January 19, 1988, and shared a beautiful union blessed with two children: Katharyne L. Harris and John Dean Harris Jr.

Professionally, NaDean dedicated many years to the Los Angeles Unified School District. Her last assignment was at Gardena High School, where she was deeply loved by students and staff alike. Her bond with the school’s football team-where her son and grandson played was incredibly special. Known affectionately as the “Team Mom,” she cooked for the players, cheered them on, and offered unwavering support to each of them.

NaDean’s home was truly the heart of her world. She found joy in cooking while listening to R&B music, and her doors were always open. Whether someone came to eat, laugh, talk, or cry, all knew they were welcome without needing to call ahead. She extended her warmth to everyone she loved and was always there when someone needed her.

NaDean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Michael Harris; her sister, Andrea Johnson; and her father, Alvin Johnson.

She leaves to cherish her memory:

her mother, Lola Jackson; her step-father, Cleveland Jackson; her children, Nyieasha Washington- Grimes, Monique Harris, Katharyne Harris, and John Harris; her son-in-law, Ashton Grimes; her grandchildren, Nakye’ Washington, AJ Grimes, and Nai Washington; her sisters, Vanessa Turner and Jackie Barber; her brother-in-law, Kenard Barber; her nieces, La Starr Ewing-Davis and Kenari Barber; nephews, Charles Glaster, Malik Evans, and Rayzhone Davis; great-niece, Lyric Holmes; great-nephews, Glen “Joshua” Holmes and Rayzhone Davis; and a host of loving relatives and dear friends.

NaDean Harris was a shining light in the lives of all who knew her. Her love was constant, her faith unshakable, and her presence unforgettable. She will forever be missed, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.