Doris Teresa Harris, 69, North Philadelphia community activist
She made sure children were fed and clothed and got toys at Christmas.
IF ONE WORD could describe the character of Doris Harris it's "selfless."
That was the first word that came to the mind of her daughter Takada when asked to describe her mother.
"Selfless."
Doris seemed to spend much of her time in service to others. She had seven children of her own, but she believed that all the children in her North Philadelphia neighborhood were hers.
She was determined to see to it that all the children in what was perceived as an "underserved" neighborhood had clothing. Her annual clothing drives brought in clothes for both needy children and adults.
And her food drives kept everyone from the pangs of hunger.
Her toy drives made sure there were presents under the Christmas tree for every child.
Doris Teresa Harris died Tuesday of complications from back surgery at Temple University Hospital. She was 69.
Doris was so organized and persistent that she was able to support her philanthropy with gifts from the donors she rounded up, as well as contributions from schools and churches. Although she didn't hesitate to reach into her own purse when funds were low.
Doris was block captain of the 1800 block of West Thompson Street and served as a Democratic committeewoman in the 47th Ward.
Through her church, the former Church of the Gesu at Thompson and 18th streets, Doris ran a wide variety of Catholic Youth Organization programs, including a Haunted House at Halloween, bingo nights, talent shows, an annual beef and beer, hiking and midnight bike rides in the summer to Kelly Drive in Fairmount Park.
Although the church closed in 1993, its parish school is still running and was a generous contributor to Doris' activities, as was St. Joseph's Prep School.
On her Thompson Street block, Doris organized cookouts and established Camp Butterfly, which she ran out of her home. As many as 60 kids would crowd in for fun and frolic. Even though it is a five-bedroom house, it could get a bit strained.
Doris was a clever craftswoman, who made lavish gift baskets, pillows and jewelry for every occasion. She would spread out the wares in her home where the local children could buy gifts for their loved ones at minimal prices.
"She made the neighborhood vibrant and exciting for the children, who were otherwise disenfranchised," her family said.
Doris was proud of the accomplishments of her son Lorenzo, who used the name Rennie Harris, a well-known dancer, choreographer and teacher who tours the world with his group, Puremovement.
Doris was born in Philadelphia, the seventh of 13 children of Mary Frances Harris and Monroe James Atkins. She attended St. Charles Parochial School and John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls' High School.
For most of her working career, she took care of mentally disabled youths and adults in group homes, and provided home health care for them in her own home. She also worked as a crossing guard at George G. Meade Elementary School.
After the Gesu church closed, Doris became a member of St. Malachy Church in North Philadelphia, where she was a hospitality lecturer, eucharistic minister and Bible study leader and sang in the choir.
Longtime friend Marilyn Kai Jewett said Doris was "always advocating for better services for her people. She was truly concerned about the community, was a dependable worker and had a beautiful spirit."
"She didn't just talk about it like some people, she was about it," she said. "I never got any negative vibes from Doris. She was always genuine."
Besides her son and daughter, Doris is survived by five other sons, William, Burton, Patrick, Tracey and James; two sisters, Evelyn and Laura; three brothers, Lawrence, Clyde and Michael; 37 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Services: Funeral Mass 11 a.m. tomorrow at St. Malachy Church, 1429 N. 11th St. Friends may call at 9 a.m.