Dorothy Mae Harris

The Life and Legacy of Dorothy M. Harris

You may have heard someone say, “Dorothy is dead.” Don’t believe a word of it. On March 24, 2026, Dorothy became more alive than she has ever been - a truth beautifully echoed in the words of 19th-century preacher Dwight L. Moody.

Life on earth brings many sorrows and questions. But Dorothy found her answer early. One day she met Jesus, and He whispered to her heart, “Do not worry. Trust Me, and I will give you rest.” This became the steady rhythm of her life.

Dorothy Harris was born on June 4, 1936, in Greenville, Texas, to the late Ocie and Ivory Archie. She was the third of five children: Claude Archie (deceased), Barbara Jean Archie Muller (deceased), Ocie McDonald, and Leroy Colbert Jr. She was proud to be the only Texas-born sibling, yet she loved the Denver Broncos with all her heart.

Dorothy grew up in Oklahoma and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. She attended Langston University before moving to Lubbock, Texas, where she drove a truck for the cotton pickers. This was a job that showed her grit, independence, and determination.

She later welcomed her daughter Patsy and her son Larry. After moving to Denver, she earned her cosmetology license from Emily Griffith Opportunity School. Dorothy later married Clarence Harris Sr., and to this union two sons were born: Clarence Jr. (“Poopie”) and Clarence III (“Tiger”).

Dorothy continued to pursue excellence in every season of her life. She earned her degree from Metropolitan State College of Denver and completed her training as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Fort Logan Mental Health Center. She went on to work for the City and County of Denver Disease Control Department, where she served faithfully for more than 29 years before retiring in 1997.

Dorothy accepted Christ at an early age. After moving to Denver, she united with Central Baptist Church in 1953 under the leadership of the late M.C. Curry, later serving under the late W.O. Mays and W.D. Simmons.

Her favorite song was “Father, I Stretch My Hand to Thee,” especially when sung by Pastor Willie Simmons.

She eventually became a member of Solomon Temple Missionary Baptist Church under Pastors John and Mary Tellis.

Dorothy truly loved The Lord He was her Personal Savior and she and she walked the walk. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 23:1 - “The Lord is my shepherd…”

Dorothy served tirelessly in ministry. At Central Baptist she sang in the choir, counseled youth, served as church bulletin clerk, usher, and Superintendent of Sunday School - and stepped in wherever she was needed. She served as a counselor for the Northern District Association and as financial secretary for the Western States Youth Conference. She completed numerous courses through the Congress of Christian Education, a division of the National Baptist Convention, USA. She also volunteered with Denver Public Schools tutoring programs.

Dorothy served many, but none brought her more joy than her family. She never neglected her role as mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She was deeply involved in raising her children and grandchildren. She would take them to church, youth conferences, school, practices, and events. She provided food, shelter, wisdom, and discipline when needed - some more than others. Tiger remembers her packing up the van, filling every seat, and driving to nearly every football game he played at Hastings College. She made an impact on players, families, and everyone she met along the way.

Dorothy cared for many - family, neighbors, and countless children who found a safe place in her presence. One of her greatest joys was caring for her mother until her passing in 2005.

Her hobbies included fishing, reading, and cheering on her beloved Denver Broncos. She was a true fan through and through.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her memory: Her four children, Patsy (Arnold) of Austin, Texas; Larry (Evelyn) of Denver, Colorado; Clarence Jr. “Poopie” (Melanie) of Denver, Colorado; and Clarence III “Tiger” (MeMe) of Commerce City, Colorado. Six grandchildren, Melanie, Keisha, Mignon “Joli” (Jason), Brandon, Derron “DME,” and Aspen (Reggie). Three bonus grandchildren, Jason, Desiree, and Demetrius. Seven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. One sister, Ocie McDonald of Denver, Colorado. One brother, Leroy (Shelby) Colbert Jr. of Broomfield, Colorado. Adopted sister, Cheryl Williamson of Denver, Colorado. Many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Special and devoted friends, Bobbie Armstrong, May Connors, Barbara Meeks Hobbs, Alma D. Johnson, and Kenny and Penny Adams.

Dorothy was loved by many. To know her was to love her. She will be greatly missed. The best way to honor her is to live the way she loved - selflessly and unconditionally.