WS Chronicle

Mrs. Rematha Harris, a longstanding resident of Winston-Salem and a true woman of God who has selflessly served her family, church and community, was celebrated on April 20 in honor of her 85th birthday. Mrs. Harris’ family and friends had the honor to celebrate her at the Salem Lake Marina where she received Mayor J. Allen Joines’ Proclamation declaring her birthday, April 23, 2024, as Rematha Harris Day. 

Mrs. Harris received a tremendous outpouring of love from family and friends, and was overwhelmed to learn of the impact she has made on others. She credits her God and the guidance of her parents, elders and many godly women of her prior home. Roundtree Missionary Baptist Church of Wilson, North Carolina, and of Red Bank Baptist Church, Germanton, her church home of more than 55 years. 
Mrs. Harris’ accolades are based on her life’s mission of service, servanthood, encouragement and mission. She is affectionately known as “Mama Harris,” the eldest of the five children born to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Barnes. She learned the power of hard work and responsibility at a young age by helping with the chores of the home, assisting with the rearing of her siblings, and working on the family farm. 

Rematha ultimately embarked on a stellar 35-year career at the Lucia Company (formerly the Salem Company) in Winston-Salem. She was the supervisor of the inaugural second shift clothing production team where she led a group of young women by being outstanding examples of hard work, strong work ethic, and the essential need to attend to detail to produce quality work/clothing lines for multiple brands including Lands End. 

Rematha, also known as Ms. Mae, has a second passion, cooking! Over the years, she has catered many meals across venues of North Carolina, fed students at Winston-Salem State University, provided desserts to families of Trellis Supportive Care (formerly Hospice and Palliative Care), and supported mission projects for The Battered Women’s, Shelter, The Bethesda Center for The Homeless, and Forsyth Village Assisted Living. 

In 2001, Mama Harris (Ms. Mae) accepted a position as a cook for The Children’s Center of First Baptist Church – Fifth Street, Winston-Salem, where she passionately prepared meals for the children, staff, families and members.
Mama Harris loves her God, family and her church. She is committed to pleasing God and serving her family and church. As a faithful member of Red Bank Baptist Church, she has served on numerous committees and ministries. As her spiritual gifts include helping and encouragement, her participation in the Missionary and Kitchen Ministries are her natural passions. She loves to lend a helping hand to anyone in need and has prepared thousands of dishes for various church, work and family functions, and has trained numerous young people on the principles of cooking soul food. Those principles are grounded with love, passion, creativity and commitment. 

One of her dreams is to pass on her wealth of cooking knowledge. Her pending cookbook, “Mama Harris: The Soul Food Queen,” will fulfill an aspect of her dream.