Loretta Elizabeth (Neal) Harris

Loretta Elizabeth Neal Harris, age 86, of Palestine, Texas, went to be home with Jesus on the 17th day of July 2021, with her daughter at her side.  She was born on the 23rd day of January 1935, to parents William Pinkey Neal and Willie Alline Sexton. 

Loretta was originally from Elkhart but left for Houston to start her marriage with Leon Thomas.  Together they had one daughter, Lorri (Lorrna). During her marriage to Leon, she worked many jobs, but her great love was real estate.  Loretta was very successful and owned two brokerage offices in the Sagemont and Clearlake area located near Houston.  After her divorce, she decided to move back home to Palestine to be close to her daughter and son-in-law, Ronnie, where she met and married Joe Francis.  She worked in real estate for a few years upon arrival, but eventually, she decided to open a special home with her husband, Joe, for those with dual diagnosed mental illnesses.  It quickly grew to two homes and one apartment which served residents with mental disabilities for a number of years through Lufkin State School.  After retirement, her husband, Joe, passed away suddenly.  She was reintroduced to Jot Harris who she would marry in 2003 and begin another venture of serving in a different capacity.  She worked tirelessly with physicians in the area and pharmaceutical companies in order to help others who could not afford their prescription medications until her husband needed full time care. She moved to TruCare Living Center when she could no longer care for him by herself just to make sure he received the care he deserved.  They were married until he passed in 2013.  She had a very giving heart for those who needed financial help, and many knew her for her generous acts of kindness.  She will be missed.  

She is preceded in death by her parents, W. Pinkey and Willie Neal; brothers, William and Melvin; and sisters, Janie and Betty.

Loretta leaves behind her daughter, Lorri Baack and husband Ronnie; grandson, Tyler (TC) Baack; brother, Buddy Neal and her sister, Charlotte Holloway.

Graveside services for Loretta Harris are to be conducted at half past two o’clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, the 20th day of July 2021 at Crawford Cemetery with Bro. Skip Birtman officiating.

Friends are invited to visit with the family before the service, from one o’clock until two o’clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, the 20th day of July, at Rhone Funeral Home.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions can be directed towards First Baptist Church Youth Group, 5700 N. Loop 256, Palestine, Texas 75801.

Funeral services for Loretta Elizabeth Neal Harris are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.  

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