Emerson Harris

Emerson Harris, 64, entered into eternal life on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, while hospitalized at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.  His life began on December 12, 1961, as the youngest son of five children born to the late Clara Jimmerson Harris and Phil Harris.

He graduated from Lafayette High School in 1980 and went on to attend a technical program at Woodrow Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center in Fishersville, Virginia.  In his early life, Emerson was met with the challenge of a disability that affected his personal life, but that did not stop him from having many accomplishments and achievements.  He was a man of few words, shy and soft-spoken.

It is said by others who knew him that, “to know him was to love him, as he was funny, athletic, thoughtful and caring.”  We honor him in the life he lived and the love he shared with others.

In 2000, he moved to Richmond, Virginia, where he led a very active life, including participation in the Special Olympics program in basketball and bowling, and was a proud recipient of many gold/silver medals that he fondly cherished. 

He was employed full-time at Goodwill Industries and then as a maintenance worker for Greater Unity Adult Services.  He later became a resident at the Greater Unity Adult Services. He also attended the Smiles Like Yours Day Support Program, where he participated in community engagement and recreational activities.

Emerson is survived by his sister and caregiver Debra D. Harris; his brothers, Samuel D. Harris and wife Patricia Unia Harris, and Gavin E. Harris and wife Debra A. Harris; nephews, Gavin E. Harris Jr. and wife Jacinta Harris, and Corey S. Harris and wife Ciearra Harris and their son Crue S. Harris; sister-in-law Velda Harris (the late Dephilip Sr.) and their son Dephilip Harris Jr.; niece Aubrey Harris; aunt Marinette Louise Fowler; and a host of cousins and friends.

His cremated remains will be buried alongside his mother, father, and brother at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery.  A Memorial Service will be planned at a later date.

Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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