Bobbie Jean Banks Harris was born in Milledgeville, Baldwin County, Georgia on December 14, 1948, to the parentage of Mr. Julius H. Banks and Mrs. Laconia J. Banks. Bobbie was the eighth of ten children; seven of which preceded her in death: Johnny, Julius, Lottie, Jesse, Lillian, Bernice, and Larry.

 

Bobbie dedicated her life to Christ at an early age joining the Pine Ridge Baptist Church. Bobbie was educated in the public school system of Baldwin County, attending Northside Elementary School, and graduating with honors from Julian Franklin Boddie High School in the Class of 1966. She attended Fort Valley State College (University) studying Business Administration.

 

In 1967 she united in marriage with Mr. James Harris, Sr., and with this union came four bonus children.

 

Bobbie started her business career at the tender age of fourteen at Hogan’s Fine Foods. She called her signature dish “Honey-Do’s.” She was also employed by Woolworth Corporation as an Assistant Merchandise Manager and Shoe City as Assistant Store Manager. However, Bobbie found her calling when she and her husband opened a restaurant, “James’ Fish & Chicken,” (a local favorite) of which she was Co-Owner. This business thrived for more than 40 years. They retired in 2021. Bobbie was the sole owner and operator of BJ’s Boutique for more than 15 years.

 

She leaves the following with cherished memories of fun, love, laughter and good food: her husband of 57 years, Mr. James Harris, Sr.; sisters: Christine Banks of Milledgeville, Diann B. Scott (Albert) of Savanah, bonus children: Mrs. Janice Harris (Michael) Scott, Ms. Jacqueline Harris May, Ms. Ouida Harris Carr and Pastor James (Akia) Harris, Jr.; sisters-in-law Phyllis V. King, Mary F. Smith, Sharon Lango (Marion), Angela Smith, Linda Smith, and brother-in-law Alfred Reeves, Jr., seventeen grandchildren, and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, loving family members and friends.