Dora James Harmon

November 21, 1927 - February 19, 2016

Dora James Harmon was born November 21, 1927; in Latta, South Carolina to the late Reverend George W. James and the late Eugenia Kennedy James. She departed this earthly journey on February 19, 2016. As a child, she attended Saint Andrews Methodist Church in Latta, South Carolina. Later her family moved their membership to Weston Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church where she was active in all the youth programs. She accepted Christ as her personal savior at the age of eleven. Dora attended the Dillon County Training School and graduated with honors in 1945 and also the Morgan Band Beauty School in Charlotte, North Carolina. Upon completing the Cosmetology course requirements she moved to Columbia, SC in 1948 and resided with Mrs. Minnie Derrick and her daughter Florence better known as Flossie. Dora began attending Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church located downtown on the corner of Sumter and Taylor Street but later joined Sidney Park Christian Methodist Episcopal Church under Reverend Liddell. It was at Sidney Park CME Church, where she met and married Charles Harmon in 1950. To this union four sons were born; Charles, James Michael, David and Vincent. Mrs. Dora Harmon has had various occupations which includes, domestic work such as Laundry/Dry Cleaners, custodial worker for Richland School District One later transferring to the Department of Mental Health in 1975 as Mental Health Specialist and Certified Nursing Assistant before retiring from Craft Farrow in 1990. After sixteen years of service she returned to work in 1992 part time at Craft Farrow and CM Tucker Division of Mental Health Center as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She later began working again, with Richland School District One in the Student Nutritional Services Department for approximately six years. Finally, in 2007 at the age of 79, she retired. Upon joining Sidney Park CME Church, Mrs. Harmon served on the Usher Board as a member and President for a number of years, Missionary Society, Director of the Altar Guild organized under the leadership of Presiding Elder Dr. Jimmy E. Gilbert, The Inspirational Choir organized under Rev. Q.H. Whitlock, Senior Choir and the Mass Choir. She was also a faithful member of the “Fountain of Love Outreach Ministry”, attended Sunday School, prayer meeting and prepared delicious meals for the Noon Day Services and Bible Study faithfully. She also served on the Willing Workers, Stewardess Board as Secretary under the leadership of Rev. Edward Moultrie Sr. Mrs. Dora Harmon was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Harmon. Her brothers and sisters Elijah James, George James, Pete James, William James, Edward Henry James, Mary James McCrae, Dessie James, Annie Mae James Ivory and Lena James. She leaves to cherish her memories four sons, Charles S. Harmon Sr.(Betty) of Columbia, SC; James Michael Harmon (Randolyn) of Greenville, SC; David H. Harmon Sr. (Alicia) of Columbia, SC and Vincent L. Harmon (Deidre) of Columbia, SC. Ten grandchildren, Charles S. Harmon Jr. (Sarina), Brittani L. Harmon, David H. Harmon Jr.(Savannah Thurman), Tiffany D. Whitmire (Carlos), Portia L. Harmon, Octavia P. Harmon, Douglas D. Harmon, Jon Michael M. Harmon, Valencia L. Harmon and Daniel D. Harmon. Three great grandchildren; Ziniya L. Thurman, David A. Harmon and Zachariah K. Harmon. One adopted daughter Rev. Carolyn Cleveland, one Godson Eric Cleveland, two faithful friends, Bertha Patterson and Alberta Holman as well as a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.