Longtime Fair Havenite Marcelline Riley Harris, Willow Street (Sickles) School and Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School 1959 graduate, passed away on March 14. She was 84.

The second of 14 children, Marcelline grew up in Fair Haven and Marcelline attended Fair Haven’s Willow Street School and then graduated from RFH in 1959.

She was an excellent student who excelled in sports, especially softball and field ockey. She was a member of the Debating, English and Knitting clubs during her time at RFH and had many friends. Later in life, after her children were older, she obtained her bachelor’s degree in finance from University of Lowell (now UMASS Lowell) in Lowell, MA in 1982. After graduation, she procured a position in Accounts Payable for the Purity Supreme grocery store chain in Billerica, MA. After early retirement, Marcelline moved from Chelmsford, MA back to Fair Haven in order to care for her ailing mother. Marcelline became a devout member of Fisk Chapel AME Church in Fair Haven after returning to her hometown. Fisk Chapel was home for Marcelline as her parents were active members of the congregation. Over the decades she held the positions of Stewardess, Class Leader, Steward Board Member, member of the Asbury Park Area Women’s Missionary Society, and Fisk Culinary Committee member. Most recently she was the Fisk Chapel treasurer and the president of the Fisk Arnett Missionary Society. Fisk Chapel has been the family church of Marcelline and the Riley family since its beginning more than 150 years ago. Marcelline and husband Jesse continuously aided Fisk Chapel in service to God and the community through fellowship, fundraising, and more. Marcelline was a truly dedicated servant of God, her family, friends, and her community. 

Loved ones of Marcelline Riley Harris in her obituary

Marcelline is survived by: her five children, Christopher Harris, of Lowell, MA, Jesse Harris Jr., of Bladensberg, MD, Stacy Harris and wife Magda, of Eatontown, Jacqueline Severinsen and husband Kenneth, of Eatontown, and Jason Harris and wife Jennifer, of Sparta, TN; 10 grandchildren, whom she adored, Jordan Harris, Keonya Reed, Ariana Ryan, Jesse Harris III, Tyrone Harris, Kenny Severinsen, Kimarley Harris, Jesse Harris, Hazel Harris, and Janelle Harris. In addition, she was excited to be a great-grandmother to 1 year old Jazlynn Harris and step-grandmother to Ava and Aubree Gentile. 

Marcelline is also survived by: her siblings, Merrily Herring, of Framingham, MA, Linda Watkins and husband Arthur, of Middletown, Suzanne Riley, of Red Bank, Nadine Chaffin, of DeSoto, TX, John Riley and wife Lorraine, of Red Bank, Harry Riley and wife Carol, of Bethlehem, PA, Michael Riley, of Middletown, Adrienne Campbell and husband Phillip, of Fair Haven, and Patricia Crichlow and husband David, of Lakewood; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and family with whom she loved to spend her time. 

She was predeceased by: her husband of 60 years, Jesse Harris; her parents, Hayward and Hazel Riley; sisters Cecile Cowser and Kristine Dooley; and brothers, Craig Riley and Richard Riley.  

Marcelline’s viewing will be held 9 to 11 a.m. with her service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, at the Fisk Chapel AME Church, 38 Fisk Street, Fair Haven, NJ 07704. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in Marcelline’s memory to: 
Fisk Chapel AME Church 
38 Fisk Street 
Fair Haven, NJ 07704

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Bongarzone Funeral Home

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