Ida Gaddis Harris "Madea" was born February 20,1920 in Meridian, Lauderdale County, MS to Minnie Hardaway Gaddis and Callaway " Cal" Gaddis along with her twin sister Idell. She transitioned from this life to her heavenly home on Sunday, January 8,2023 at the age of 102 surrounded by her loving, dedicated family.

Mrs. Harris was raised in a Christian home by parents who taught biblical principles to their children. She accepted Christ at a young age and walked with Him throughout her life.  She married Robert Lee Harris (deceased) in January 1941.  They had five children: Marie Harris Smith, Asalee (Harris) Eady, Robert Lee Harris, JR., Jimmy (LeeVella) Harris (deceased), and Otis (Cheryl) Harris. The family settled on Good Hope Road in Edwards, MS and made a living growing cotton, raising various farm animals, and growing fruit and vegetables.

Mrs. Harris faithfully attended Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Edwards, MS where she was a member and served as a church Mother. She was a true praying Mother who offered many prayers for the safety, success, health and well-being of others throughout her life. She has been a blessing to many and has been blessed by many generations of children, neighbors and friends.

As the matriarch on Good Hope Road with only an 8th grade formal education, Madea was an amazing, caring, hard-working, strong, wise woman. She had a special place in her heart for children and she loved flowers. She can take credit for raising not only her children, but most of her grandchildren and many of her great grandchildren.  She valued and taught the benefits of hard work and education. She worked diligently at many different jobs and fulfilled various roles over the years to provide for her family including as a: housewife, maid, babysitter, seamstress, cook, gardener, and farmer.  Her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, neighbors, other relatives and friends have all benefitted from her love, encouragement, strength, and wisdom.  Her influence extends well beyond her own immediate and extended family to include the co-workers and bosses and friends of her children and grandchildren, because anyone who knows one of her progeny has heard about Madea. She became near and dear to the heart of anyone and everyone who had the privilege of meeting her and getting to know her.

She was preceded in death by all of her siblings including Walter " Bo" Gaddis, Peyton Gaddis, Estella" Sister" Gaddis, Cammie Gaddis Williams, Henry " Boy" Gaddis, twin sister Idell Gaddis Johnson, Asalee " Doll" Gaddis Varnado, Cal Gaddis, Minnie Lee Gaddis, Clyde Gaddis and Cornelia Gaddis.

If anyone asked her the secrets to living a long healthy life, she's tell them: " Read your Bible, spend time with God, treat people right, surround yourself with children and family, forgive those who mistreat you, grow your own food as much as possible, stay physically active and take time to enjoy the flowers.

Madea leaves to cherish her memory for surviving children and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousin, other relatives, neighbors and friends. Her legacy of love continues in the hearts and minds of those who loved her.