Denise (Kelley) Harris

Denise A. (Kelley) Harris, 67, a longtime Worcester resident passed away Tuesday, September 14, 2021 after an illness.

Denise was born in Worcester, the daughter of Gloria (Kelley) Ross.  Raised and educated here, Denise graduated from Doherty Memorial High School, and earned her bachelor’s degree from Worcester State College and master’s degrees from Cambridge College. Other than a five-year period of living in Las Vegas, she has lived in Worcester all her life.  

Denise is survived by her two daughters, Heather E. Alford in Georgia and Sherrell M. Alford with whom she lived; her mother, Gloria (Kelley) Ross in Georgia; her former husband and love of her life for over 25 years, who lovingly called her “Love Bunny”, William Theodore “Ted” Harris; brothers, Michael Ross in Georgia and Henry Morgan in Alabama; sisters, Vera Denson in Maryland, and Michelle Ross in Georgia;  a grandson Dejaun Rucker, whom she called Grammy’s Boy; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  

Denise worked at the Worcester Courthouse in several positions as well as many years as a high school guidance counselor at South High before retiring. She also worked in the same capacity for the Clark County School District in Las Vegas while she was there.  Her students loved her and continued to keep in touch with her after graduation.   Denise was a classy woman, full of style and grace, no hair or cosmetic out of place.  She was a member of Faith Tabernacle Church.  She loved to travel, notably to Curacao her favorite island with her daughters. 

Funeral services for Denise will be held Saturday, September 25^th at 2 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.   A period of calling hours will be held from 12 noon to the start of the service in the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, remembrances in her name to help the family can be made to the Go fund Me page “Love Offerings for Denise” at  www.gofundme.com.  COVID restrictions now require masks during calling hours and funeral in funeral home.