Gila Swayzene Harris

Ms. Gila Swayzene Harris departed this earthly life Tuesday June 10, 2025 in Alexandra, Virginia. 

A Graveside service is scheduled for Tuesday July 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Carolina Biblical Gardens, 1530 Creech Road, Garner, NC 27529. 

Gila “Swayzene” Harris was born in Raleigh, NC on July 27, 1935 to parents Dr. Nelson H. Harris, Sr. and Mrs. Gila Swayze Harris. Swayzene was baptized and raised in the historic First Baptist Church, Ral, NC where her father served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. Swayzene was educated in Raleigh city schools. She was a graduate of the Washington High School class of 1953. After high school Swayzene attended Hampton University in Hampton, VA. majoring in education. She received her Master Degree in Education from Columbia University, NY.   Passionate about education, Swayzene worked as a teacher in Alexandria City Public Schools, retiring as the Director of Personnel of the Alexandria City Schools in Alexandria, VA.

Swayzene loved many fine things in life. Swayzene was a lifelong member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She was A member of LINKS; an organization focused on bettering communities. She traveled far and often. Swayzene saw the world without limits. She was a fashion icon in her own right and had extraordinary taste.  A natural social butterfly, when Swayzene entered the room, she attracted people with her beautiful smile and elegance. She had a magnetic personality, everyone wanted to know Swayzene.

Swayzene also had a natural love for animals and she cherished her dog, a black chow named Bear. Though Swayzene retired in Alexandria, her heart remained in Raleigh where she normally spent half of the year, often visiting First Baptist Church until her health would no longer allow her to. Swayzene transitioned on June 10, 2025.

Swayzene was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Nelson H. Harris, Sr. and Mrs. Gila Swayze Harris, A brother, Nelson H. Harris, Jr., and her beloved chow, Bear. She is survived by A brother, Dr. J. Jerome Harris (Earlene), Atlanta, GA., A special nephew, J. Jerome Harris, Jr., Ft. Lauderdale, FL., a special cousin, Dr. Synthia Teele Roberson, Atlanta, GA., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Rev. William Steven Allen, Interim Pastor, First Baptist Church, 101 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, NC 27601 will be presiding. Repast to follow at 2222 Lyndhurst Dr. Raleigh, NC 27610.

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