Obituary of Jerel Wesley Harris

April 27, 1978 was a Day of Great Joy. Jerel Wesley Harris was born to Robert and Cathy Harris in Temple, Texas. Jerel was the newest addition to the family, and his older siblings, Sheriton Harris and Okeke Harris welcomed their baby brother into their hearts. He lived a blessed life of 37 years and his Day of Peace came on November 9, 2015. He leaves to celebrate his life his parents Robert Earl, Jr. and Cathy Douse-Harris of Pearland, Texas; a brother, Okeke J. Harris of Pearland, Texas, a sister, Sheriton Harris-Duffey of Arlington, Texas, a daughter, Jade Sanaa Harris of Spring, Texas; a grandmother Hallie Harris of Waco, Texas; grandparents Marion J. and Alice Douse of Killeen, TX and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles and extended family and loyal friends. Much like Jerel’s adventuresome on-the-go spirit, he experienced an exciting childhood growing up in Killeen, TX, Prairie View, TX, Houston, TX, Guthrie, OK, and Ann Arbor, MI. At the time of his death, Jerel resided in Pearland, TX. Having spent his elementary years in Killeen and Prairie View, Jerel spent his middle and high school years in Guthrie, Ann Arbor, and Houston graduating from Memorial High School in Houston, Texas in May of 1997. At Memorial High School, he was a running back on the school’s football team. After graduation, Jerel enlisted in the US Army. Upon completing basic training in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he was assigned to Ft. Jackson, South Carolina for specialty training. Jerel later was stationed at Ft. Hood, Texas where he completed a 2 year tour and received an honorable discharge for his dedicated service to his country. After his discharge, Jerel moved to Houston and began exploring potential careers and studying at Houston Community College. Jerel accepted Christ as his personal Savior early in his life. He was a man of great faith -- kind, helpful, respectful and giving. Baptized as an infant at Anderson Chapel AME Church in Killeen, Texas, he was a part of the YPD (Young People’s Division) and actively involved with the Children and Youth Ministry. Later he recommitted himself to Christ while a member at First Baptist Church of Guthrie, Oklahoma -- a truly significant church that impacted his spiritual walk. At First Baptist Church, Jerel chose to be baptized again. A God-fearing young man, he knew God directed his steps. He knew God had a plan for his spiritual development. One thing you could not overlook with Jerel was his memorable sense of humor. Jerel would keep you laughing. Truly known for his great sense of humor and fun-loving spirit, Jerel enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He lived life to its fullest! Jerel loved to grill and cook, but his passion in life was writing hip-hop and rap music. He loved music and discovered his gift to write lyrics at an early age. As a lyricist, Jerel spent time in the studio aspiring to record and perform his music. He did have success in producing some pieces that he treasured. Jerel was the lead artist at Powerhouse Records of Houston, Texas, where he was invited to perform all over the city. In the early years of his music career, Jerel was dubbed “The Prince of Power House” and made a name for himself in the industry. He later became the founder and owner of Forever Young Entertainment Company. Jerel’s fans and friends would agree that his music left you realizing his amazing talent. His pieces were easy to listen to and carried thoughtful messages that provoked your thinking. Jerel will be missed by family and friends. As a son, brother, father, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, Jerel was loved and he returned love to others. We thank God for his life and for the joy he brought to his family and friends.