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2025 Heroes in the Community Gala

Tribute Honoree

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Pastor Novella Harris

In Loving Memory of Pastor Novella Harris
Sunrise: August 5, 1946 – Sunset: December 9, 2024

Pastor Novella Harris was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, respected educator, visionary community leader, and a powerful vessel of God. For 47 beautiful years, she shared her life and ministry with her husband, Bishop Robert W. Harris, together raising four children and cherishing four grandchildren.

Since 1983, Pastor Harris stood faithfully beside her husband as a co-founder and spiritual leader of Grace Cathedral International, located at 886 Jerusalem Avenue in Uniondale, NY. Under their joint leadership, the church blossomed—acquiring its own building and nurturing a congregation of over 500 members.

 On March 31, 1996, Pastor Novella Harris was consecrated as Pastor of Grace Cathedral, where she ministered with humility, strength, and unwavering faith. She taught, preached, counseled, and led with grace—organizing and overseeing numerous auxiliaries and church functions that built a spiritually enriched and deeply connected community.

Pastor Harris also left an indelible mark in the field of education. She retired in 2008 after years of dedicated service at Davison Avenue Elementary School in Malverne, NY, where she served in various roles including Second Grade Inclusion Teacher, Art Teacher, Environmental Studies Instructor, and Early Childhood Educator.

Her deep love for children and education extended beyond the classroom. In May 1995, she founded the Sure Foundation Child Care Center, Inc., a $600,000 state-of-the-art facility and playground in Uniondale. This center continues to nurture and inspire generations of young learners, standing as a testament to her vision and legacy.

A lifelong learner herself, Pastor Harris earned her Master of Science in Education from Hofstra University in 1982 and pursued a second Master’s degree in English. She also obtained her Bachelor’s in Religious Education (1999) and Bachelor’s in Theology (2010) from United Christian College. Her academic and professional excellence positioned her as a leader and role model in both ministry and education.

Pastor Harris’s commitment to service extended across numerous civic and philanthropic organizations. She was a lifetime member of the NAACP, a member of the American Cancer Society, and actively involved in the Nassau County Minister’s Wives, 100 Black Women, Nostrand Gardens Civic Association, and the Smith Street PTA. She also served as a Girl Scout Leader and maintained strong spiritual ties with The Greater Refuge Temple in Harlem.

In 2010, Pastor Harris and her husband traveled to Haiti to assist in earthquake relief efforts, praying for patients and delivering food, clothing, medicine, and financial support to orphanages in need.

Her life of service was honored with numerous accolades, including:

  • Sojourner Truth Award – National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Club (2011)

  • Professional Woman of the Year – National Association of Professional Women (2011/2012)

  • NAACP Educational and Women’s History Month Awards (2004 & 2008)

  • Woman of the Year – Women of Substance (2003)

  • Teacher of the Year – Malverne School District (2002–2003)

  • Featured in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and Who’s Who Among American Executives

Pastor Harris was a healer at heart, called to minister to the wounded and the broken. She served with all her heart, soul, and mind—committed to being an example of godly womanhood in a challenging world. Her life was one of faith, love, and sacrifice.

Her passing on December 9, 2024, leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew her. Yet her legacy endures—through her family, her church, the children she taught, and the lives she touched. Pastor Novella Harris lived a life fully poured out before the Lord. She has now entered into eternal rest, having fought the good fight, finished her course, and kept the faith.