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Lusia Harris Obituary

Lusia Harris was a basketball pioneer and the only woman ever drafted by the NBA.

We invite you to share condolences for Lusia Harris in our Guest Book.

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Published by The Durango Herald on Jan. 19, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Lusia Harris

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34 Entries

Jacque Thomas

February 7, 2022

My sincere condolences to the family. Lucia Harris was a example of perseverance and strength to many. May God continue to comfort the family and may Lucia Harris forever be remembered as a Trailblazer and influencer.

Gwen Wright-Coffey

February 5, 2022

Lusia (Lucy) the legend as some of you know her, but she was so much more. Her days at T.Y. Fleming, Amanda Elzy, Delta State University and beyond had a positive impact on this amazing woman and she showed her appreciation for life and others throughout the world. I am glad that I had the chance to experience her sense of humor on the long bus rides to school and to games. Please see and encourage others to see the documentary, "The Queen of Basketball" so you will have a glimpse of the life of this amazing woman. The ability to adapt and overcome obstacles and have such a positive impact on others is a sign of greatness and that's who she was and this is how we will remember her. My condolences to Lusia's family and God Bless.

Brenda Pirtle

February 4, 2022

Sincere condolences to Crystal, Christian, and Christopher from Mrs. Brenda Pirtle.

Janice phillips

January 30, 2022

To he family our prayers are with, just look to the hills whence come the your help. God said that he would never leave us nor forsake us. God is standing there to carry y´all through. Lucy, was a humble and caring person. We spent many days and late nights up talking and I will always cherish those memories. Lucy, was our basketball HERO. We looked forward to sitting in SECTION 13 to cheer her on along with the other four (4) starters Debbie Brock, Cornelia Ward, Wanda Hairston, and Ramona Von Boeckman. I thank God for us crossing paths in this life. REST IN PEACE!

Janice Phillips

January 30, 2022

Luisa, will B playing basketball with the big league team now. She’s on the heavenly team shooting hoops for JESUS where she will get her reward. Thanks for being my suite mate. Mary Morris Lewis, my roommate and Janice Tolbert Phillips will never forget you. Rest In Peace!

Dennis McKinney

January 27, 2022

Lucy gave so much to so many while staying humble about it all. She turned down so much and open doors for so many African American Students at DSU.
She asked me to coach the Black Student Organization Women's Basketball Team in 1979 and we won the Campus Intramural Basketball Championship in March 1979.

January 27, 2022

My condolences to the family. Lusia was one of the greats. I played basketball at Rosedale High School and remembered meeting Lusia at a Delta State Basketball game.

Naomi Henderson

January 26, 2022

My name is Naomi Neal Henderson. I played basketball at Tchula Attendance Center. Lucia and I both wore # 40. Lucia will always be respected for her blazing basketball career, her intellect and as a wonderful mother. My prayer is for the family strength, that they may be comforted in knowing that they share a “Unique Legacy” with Lucia. It will never be duplicated. May the Love of God continue to comfort the family and give you peace of mind.

Martha Quinnelly

January 26, 2022

Condolences to the family. Very sorry to hear of Lucy's passing.

Booker T. Spurlock

January 25, 2022

My condolences to the family of the "Amazing" Lusia Harris Stewart. May God comfort and keep you strong in the days ahead. As you know Lusia was loved by her Minter City, Greenwood, and Cleveland families and by so many others throughout the world. To God be the glory for all the joy and happiness he brought to this world through Lusia "Lucy". As a former schoolmate, neighbor, and friend I am very honored to have known Lusia in this life and be a witness of how God takes what looks to the world like a mustard seed and make it into something that can give shelter and support to the lives and spirits of so many others. Remember family, he is the God of the living. Booker T. Spurlock (T.Y. Fleming, Amanda Elzy)

Jenee

January 24, 2022

I am so sorry about the loss of Lusia. The Harris family has my deepest condolences. As the days, weeks and months pass during this difficult time, may you continue to be surrounded and comforted with the love and support that is needed, by fond memories, and by knowing that Lusia will always be remembered by not only friends and family but by Almighty God.

Elma Jean McCutchen (Ambrose)

January 23, 2022

Lucy was humble and loving. Being pioneer, trailblazer and legend was secondary to her personality. We spent many days together at Delta State University. It was blessing knowing and sharing time with her. She was super. To her beloved family, I pray for your peace.

Jean Ambrose
Class of 1977

Earnest Hart

January 23, 2022

I offer my condolences to the family of my Delta State classmate, the legendary “Lucsia “Lucy” Harris-Stewart. She was simply known to her running circles as “Lucy” who was taller than most of us. I was fortunate to have been on the DSU campus during two of Lucy’s three championship seasons and I hardly ever missed a home game. I will cherish those college memories. Rest In Peace classmate. Your legacy will live forever.

Earnest Hart
DSU Class of 1977

Dr. Donna Wintons-James

January 23, 2022

To The Family:

What a beautiful Savy super star Ms. Harris was. One to be loved and remembered as the outstanding woman that she proved to the world that she was!!! God Bless her and her family and may He give all of you peace and understanding for your great lost!!!

Michael Sims

January 23, 2022

Prayers for the family. Cousin Michael Sims and family

Anna Marie Overton(Walter)

January 21, 2022

Chris Stewart and your family. My love,prayers and condolences goes out to you and your family on the passing of your mom. (Luisa Harris) Just know that you are in my prayers always.

January 21, 2022

My condolences.

Lisa Abron

January 21, 2022

I'm extremely saddened to hear of the passing of our beloved "Queen of Basketball". Was blessed to know her as a coach at Texas Southern University in Houston,Texas. She opened her home to me and other players and was so kind and gracious to us all. Rest in the arms of Jesus sweet lady. You are truly missed. Sending love and prayers to her family and friends.

Ivy Caldwell

January 20, 2022

Prayers and condolences for Ms. Lusia Harris' family, friends, and acquaintances. This lady not only stood tall physically, but as an individual. She represented well! As a native Mississippian and 1981 graduate of Delta State University, I am proud to have known of her. I love how important family appeared to be to her.

Jo Lahmon

January 20, 2022

Lucy was my friend. I remember arriving at Delta State the month before she returned from the Olympics. The students were asking me if I was Lucy Harris. What an Honor to be asked such a question. Of Course, I said no because at that time, I had never met her. When she arrived on campus, we automatically clicked. We became good friends. She wanted me to tryout for the team and I did. But, at that time, there was no room on the team for two Black players no matter how good you were. She would tell me how the other team would elbow her in her side and stomp on her toes, but she still was the leading scorer in the game. Just last year, I was thinking about the jacket and gym shoes that she gave me from the Olympics. Someone stole the jacket many years ago, but I still think of it and the fact that she gave it to me of all people! She was a wonderful woman and friend. She and that smile will always be remembered.

Sylvia Buie

January 20, 2022

My Condolences To The Family...

Tammy A Bagby

January 20, 2022

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Jackie Dunning

January 20, 2022

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

January 20, 2022

Our deepest condolences to the family. We pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort the family during this difficult period.

January 20, 2022

God is close to the brokenhearted and save those Cushed in spirit.
May he be with your family during this time of grief to sustain you.

Lynetta (Ms T) Thompson

January 20, 2022

God Bless her soul and condolences to the grieving family. Prayers sent up

Queen of Basketball R.I.P. Mrs. Lucy

Dee Young

January 20, 2022

I saw Mrs. Lucy documentary! Love her story & her self being! Sending my heartfelt condolences & Praying for her family!

sylvester haney

January 20, 2022

R.I.P Lusia

Cassandra Mallett

January 19, 2022

Prayers for her family and friends and what a true female legend gone too soon. Rest In Peace Ms. Harris

CASSANDRA WRIGHT

January 19, 2022

R.I.P God be with u and family

Loida chambers

January 19, 2022

I am so proud of the contributions you have made in life. You were and still are the matriarch to your family.You have motivated me, as well as set the stage for women's basketball. I thank you.

R R

January 19, 2022

Such a legendary player, an icon and inspiration to so many. Heartfelt condolences to the Harris family, may God be with you, truly sorry for your loss.

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