Obituaries
Alexandria Eunece Harris—affectionately known as "Xan"—was born on April 1, 1956, in Memphis, Tennessee, a fitting date for a woman who lived with joy, sass, a sprinkle of sarcasm, and an abundance of heart. On Thursday, July 17, 2025, she peacefully transitioned to eternal rest at St. Francis Hospital, surrounded by love and lifted in prayer.
From a young age, Xan accepted Christ at Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor Ben Chatman. Her faith was never just spoken—it was lived with grit, grace, and deep service to others. She later worshiped at Christian Vision Center Ministries under the leadership of her cousin, Pastor Velton Rogers, and ultimately became a devoted member of Life Church – Highland Campus, where her spirit continued to flourish.
A proud graduate of Germantown High School, Xan pursued Paralegal Studies at State Technical Institute, blending her sharp intellect with a passion for justice and truth. Professionally, she served in security at St. Joseph Hospital and The Med, held memorable retail roles in downtown Memphis, and eventually became a certified dispatcher with Shelby County Government. She retired after many years at the Shelby County Correction Center—likely still “correcting” folks well into retirement.
Xan was smart, stylish, and never short on opinions. Her sense of humor was unmatched, and her love for family ran deeper than the Mississippi River. Though life often tested her, she never stopped giving her all to those she loved.
She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Tatum (Oregon); her beloved husband, Fredrick Jacob (Tennessee); Step Father Worthan Williams (Tennessee) her best friend, Bunny (Tennessee); her loyal dog, Ebony (Tennessee); and her adopted parents, Bobby Jean and Katherine Allen (Tennessee). She also reunites in glory with her Great-Grandmother Luella Reid Martin “Mamma Sang” (Cordova, TN); Grandparents Fred “Snook” Harris, Mary Harris, and Blanche Harris (Memphis, TN); Great-Aunt Elvina Walls (Cordova, TN); Great-Uncle Velton “Bruh” Harris (Memphis, TN); Aunts Iona Harris and Edna Chatman (Memphis, TN); Cousin Waddie Reid (Cordova, TN); Cousin Thelma (Memphis, TN); and her beloved Cousin/ “Sonshine” Tony Guinn (Cordova, TN).
Xan leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering loyalty to:
· Her devoted mother, Mrs. Hazel Harris-Williams (Memphis, TN)
· Her two daughters, the joy of her heart:
o Dianne Harris (Washington, D.C.), the strong-willed organizer;
o Chasaty Harris (New York), the globe-trotting light bearer;
· Her aunts:
o Freda Mans (William) – Bartlett, TN
o Gwendolyn Scaife – Memphis, TN
· Her sisters:
o Martinette Tatum Mitchell – Florida
o Marnette “Nette” Tatum – California
o Soulma Ayers – Washington State
o Suzette Malden Ronaldo – New York
· Her beloved cousin-sister and brother-in-love:
o Lue Ida Walls-Upchurch (Lester), affectionately known as “Lue” (Cordova, TN) her confidante, protector, and chosen sister, whose bond with Xan transcended blood and time.
· Her honorary sisters and lifelong friends:
o Denise Sharpe-Bland – Tennessee
o The late Valerie Sharpe-Powell – Tennessee
o The late Ms. Dorothy Sharpe—surely holding court in Heaven
· Her cherished cousins of—the Harris’s, Reid’s, Tatum’s, Roger’s and Houston’s—who carry her legacy forward.
· And her treasured community at the Kings Reserve Senior Living, where she found extended family, comfort, and countless moments of joy.
Whether you knew her as Alexandria, Xan, Momma, Cousin, Sister, Friend—or simply as “the lady who never forgot your birthday”—you knew someone unforgettable. Her light, her, smile, her laugh, her wisdom, and her bold spirit will echo in every life she touched.
She was a living testimony of strength, resilience, and compassion—wrapped in Southern charm and always wearing her signature red nails.
She will be remembered. She will be honored. She will be missed. But most of all, she will be celebrated.
