Anna (Anne) Louise McMillian Harris was born in Indianapolis, IN on April 10, 1932. She was the only child of Turner McMillian and Catherine Alvies McMillian-Young. She spent her early childhood on the East Side where she attended School 26 at 16th and Columbia Avenue. Anna was baptized at an early age while attending Goodwill Baptist Church at 13th & Columbia.
Anna graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in 1949. For most of her formative years after graduation, she was a nursing assistant at Indiana University Medical Center where she fell in love with nursing. At the time, no nursing school in Indianapolis would accept Black nursing students. Subsequently, she was able to attend an accredited nursing school in Pittsburg, PA where she graduated as class president in 1955. The same year, she married Tobey Harris. They had five wonderful children: Tobey, Jr., Michael, Cathy, Mark, and Amy.
In 1956, Anna became the first black head nurse at I.U. Medical Center over the Surgery Department. Since then, she has worked in many aspects of nursing rising to: Assistant Director of Nursing at Riley Children’s Hospital, Night Supervisor at Wishard Hospital, Supervisor of Inpatient Medicine at Wishard Hospital, Emergency Room nurse at Wishard Hospital, Nurse Assistant to Dr. James Bennett-Professor of Plastic Surgery, Director of Nursing Education at County Trace Healthcare Center, Patient and Care Coordinator-Organ Transplant Unit, Pediatric Nurse at St. Vincent, and Registry Research nurse at I.U. Medical Center. One of her proudest moments and greatest achievements was when she returned to college and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from St. Francis College (Joliet, IL) in 1989 at the age of 55. She was also the co-president of the Waffle House franchise located on Michigan Road from 1972-1980.
In addition, she worked actively with the NAACP in the 1950s marching for equality, better jobs, and a future for the Black community as evidenced by her life.
Mrs. Harris had a love of life, especially of family. She went on over 30 cruises with her family and friends, numerous flights, and road trips. She celebrated her 90th birthday in Las Vegas. She was blessed with the wonderful life the Most High had bestowed on her. The Lord touched all aspects of her life allowing her to seek the positive, even amid sorrows. She always had a smile for all she met.
Anna went home to be with her Savior at 8:57A on October 17, 2024, at Compassus. She was preceded in death by her parents, Turner McMillian and Catherine Young, stepfather Henry Young, son Mark Harris, and grandson Bryce Harris. She is survived by her children: Dr. Tobey Harris (Dr. Cora Harris), Michael (Dorine Lewis), Cathy, and Amy. Grandchildren: Tobey III, Cindel, Darrell, Joshua, Jonathan, Rachel, and Christian James, Mary, and Jacinta. Great-grandchildren: Jhamari, Carlon, Trace, and Kiera. Cousin Anna Brown. Daughter-in-Love Ayagogo. And many, many church brothers and sisters, nursing friends, her Jewish lunch group, and neighbors.
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FREE
Home at last with my Lord,
Free from suffering and pain,
Away from the troubles of this world,
With my loved ones again.
Do not sorrow because I’m blessed beyond measure,
Personally beholding my Father’s face,
Blessed by His infinite love,
Saved by His amazing grace!
Friday, October 25, 2024
10:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
University United Methodist Church
Friday, October 25, 2024
Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
University United Methodist Church
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