Glennie C Harris, age 90 transitioned peacefully at home June 10, 2025 in the city of New Haven. Glennie Cornelius Harris was born in Snow Hill, North Carolina on January 10, 1935. She was the daughter of the late Lednad Lewis and Annie Lewis Smith. She was affectionately known as “Big G” or “Momma Harris”. Glennie was raised in Snow Hill and graduated from Greene County Training School in 1953. Two days after graduating she boarded a bus heading north to Connecticut for a better life. She got a job as a store clerk and then modeled sample dresses for the store. Soon after she met the man she would marry at the age of 19. Glennie helped bring all her siblings to Connecticut as well as her mother. She worked for Grace New Haven Hospital as a nutritionist, The Veteran Administration Hospital, and then Burndy Corporation where she worked as a machinist until they closed. Glennie was very active in the Democratic Party in New Haven, Connecticut during the 1970’s and 1980’s. Friends and family members who knew and visited with Glennie discovered her greatest joy was to take care of her children and babies. She was known for her Southern Cuisine and loved to cook for family and friends. She looked forward to Sunday dinners and quick birthday gatherings. She enjoyed gospel music, jazz music, and greats like the late Aretha Franklin, James Cleveland, and Al Green. Glennie was also a competitive card player. Glennie is predeceased by four brothers: Orlander Lewis, Thomas Harold Lewis (Hal), Nathaniel William Smith (Smitty), and Raymond Smith. She was also predeceased by one sister: Mary Smith Lennon. She leaves to cherish her loving memories three sons, Qadry Harris of New Haven, Connecticut, Leonard Harris of Florence South Carolina, and Jimmie Harris of Hamden, Connecticut. She leaves two daughters: Glennie Harris-Roberts (Martin) of Hamden, Connecticut and Berthinia McClendon (Anthony) of Meriden, Connecticut. She leaves six grandchildren: Lynn Harris, Malkom Harris, Valencia McClendon, Bryce McClendon, and Tala Harris. She leaves three great grandchildren Kennedy Lyons, Maya McClendon, and Bryson McClendon. Glennie leaves one sister-in-law Bessie Smith of New Haven, Connecticut and a host of nieces and nephews.
A Parlor Service will be held in the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 234 Foxon Rd., (Rte. 80) East Haven Thursday morning at 11:00. Friends may call THURSDAY MORNING from 10:00 until time of Service. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Assn. at www.alz.org.
