Celia Carolyn Harris

CELIA CAROLYN HARRIS

SEPTEMBER 21, 1938 – NOVEMBER 20, 2025

SERVICE: MEMORIAL SERVICE AT MID-CITIES CHURCH, NEELY CAMPUS

3309 NEELY AVE, MIDLAND, AT A FUTURE DATE

Celia Harris, age 87, of Midland, passed into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 20, 2025. She was a longtime resident of Midland since 1961. She had been residing at Helen Greathouse at Manor Park in Midland for the past two years.

She was born in Abilene, Texas September 21, 1938. She graduated from Abilene High School in 1956.

Celia had a long career in nursing. She graduated from Odessa College in 1963 with an Associate Degree in Nursing. She went on to earn her B.S.N. from West Texas State University, her M.S.N. from UT Austin, and her Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. She worked for many years at Midland Memorial Hospital in various nursing positions.

She began her teaching career in nursing as an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Odessa College. In the early 1980’s she was involved with the planning and startup of the new Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program at Midland College. She was the first Director of that program. She continued teaching at Midland College until her retirement.

Celia was a woman of strong faith. She lived a life devoted to Christ and she was passionate about sharing her faith. She was actively involved with local ministries. She loved teaching the Bible, attending prayer groups and Bible studies, and serving to spread the Gospel in many ways.

These are her written words: “Please do not be sad for me. Jesus Christ is my Savior, and because of the price He paid, I will join him in Heaven. I look forward to the time we will all be united with Christ in Heaven.”

One of the great joys of Celia’s life in retirement was her work with the Mission Messiah in Odessa, a faith-based residency program for women in need which was founded by Jamie Berryhill. She cherished her time teaching Bible classes at the Mission as well as her other involvement with the Mission. She said God had given her the joy of participating with Mission Messiah, and she described Jamie Berryhill as “a godly man working for the sake of Jesus Christ in the Permian Basin and around the world.”

As a lifelong resident of Midland Celia was surrounded by many close and dear friends whom she loved and cherished. The family would like to recognize and express deep appreciation to her longtime, close friends in Midland: Sherry Ford, Janet Garrett, and Sarah Schneider. Many others are unnamed here. Please know that you are remembered and thanked.

Celia is survived by her two younger brothers: Dale Harris and his wife Nancy, of San Angelo; and Ken Harris of Dallas. She was preceded in death by her father, Leo Harris in 1981, and her mother, Gwen Harris in 1996.

Celia had requested a future memorial service at Mid-Cities Church, no funeral home visitation or viewing, and a private burial at Resthaven Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Celia’s name may be made to the Mission Messiah, 1213 W. 2nd St., Odessa, or to the organization or charity of your choice.

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