Nona W. Harris was born on the 6th of October 1947 in Chicago Illinois, to Louise Harris and William Cooke. Nona transitioned peacefully, on the 31st of August 2024 at home with her family.

Nona's adventures began with her graduating from Wendell Phillips High School, in Chicago Illinois in 1965. That same year she became a pioneer, when at the age of 18, Nona was sworn into the United States Women's Army Corps, where she received a National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Cold War Certificate of Honor. Nona, spent the rest of her life in service to her fellow veterans by volunteering at the Fresno VA Hospital for 15 years, where she mentored other veterans, earning herself the nickname "Sarge".

After her military service, Nona relocated to Fresno California in 1972, where she worked as community leader and organizer for Southwest Fresno. Nona Harris was a pillar of her community, where she spent 45 years advocating, volunteering and mentoring the youth and adults of Southwest Fresno, earning the nickname of "Moms", "Grandma" and "Auntie" Nona, was a woman of many talents, who owned and operated multiple small retail businesses.

In her leisure, Nona spent her time creating beautiful Black America ceramics, studying and teaching Black American history, solving puzzles, building classic model cars and growing award winning Irises.

Nona was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and community leader leaving a legacy of love and dedication to her family, friends and community.

She is preceded in death by her parents, stepfather Thomas Carter (US Navy), her son Roger A. Harris Sr and siblings Robert Harris, Jessica Moore and Elthena Lowery (US Navy).

She is survived by her daughter De Shawna N. Porter (US Peace Corps) and siblings Patricia Johnson, Stenis Lowery (US Marines Corps) and Ophelia (Larry) Fane.

Nona's legacy lives on through the cherished memories and bonds with family, friends and community. Her life was marked by service, friendship, resiliency and love. She will be remembered and celebrated by all who knew her.