Billie Jean Harris Flake

Billie Jean, that’s our girl; she’s the one who made our world a wonderful place in which to live. All who love you will truly miss you, and we will always carry you in our hearts. We’re so glad we had this time together! Billie Jean Harris was born on January 25, 1947, the fifth of six children, to Kenneth G. Sr. and Christine Cone Harris. The name she really preferred was “Pat”, a nick-name given to her by her father. Just as she entered her teens, she made an informed decision to accept Christ as her personal savior. Under the leadership of Rev. G. K. Littleton, she united with Enon Baptist Church and was baptized in a long white robe, with the singing of hymns and the praying of prayer, in a sparkling stream. It was about this time that the entire family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. She received her early education in the public schools of Calhoun County, Thornton, Arkansas, and graduated from Rancho High School. Billie entered the Clark County Schools District, making the adjustment easily, by establishing friends whose companionship she enjoyed until her passing. Upon completion of Rancho High School, in North Las Vegas, she graduated and continued her educational pursuits at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It was while attending UNLV that she started her professional career at the Flamingo Hilton Hotel, where she worked for many years. During this time she was blessed with her beloved son, Keith Bernard Harris Andrews and later, La Tasha, who preceded her in death. Billie was a vivacious, fun loving, kindhearted, sincere, steadfast, honest, outspoken, loyal and yes, sometimes flighty person, who never thought more highly of herself than she ought. She loved decorating; she could transform a tent into a mansion, using “stuff” from garage sales and thrift stores to mix and match with her new acquisitions. She met, fell in love, and married Bernard Flake, in 1991. A short but beautiful journey they had together, Bernard preceded Billie into eternity in December 1999. She loved and missed him greatly. She often spoke of him, mentioning their many experiences together. On November 15, 2007, God sent his angel to usher Billie home. Despite life’s vicissitudes and adversities, she had made peace with God and was ready to be with Him in the mansion He had prepared for her. Preceding her in transition were her loving parents, brother Murriel Harris, her baby daughter, LaTasha, and special friend, Maxine. God leaves to celebrate the life of Billie Jean Harris Flake: her beloved son, Keith Bernard Harris-Andrews and his wife, Pauline; her grandchildren, Donte’, Tara, Tamyra, Terrell, LaShe’ and Keith, Jr.; her sisters, Katie (Alex S. Greene), Diane (Edward “Rocky” Robbins) of Los Angeles, CA; brother Dr. Kenneth (Pamala) Harris of Arkadelphia, AR; nephews, Christopher Dowd and Alex S, Greene III of Los Angeles, and Myron Harris of Las Vegas; and nieces Kristi and Kamryn Brown of Texarkana, AR; a beloved aunt, Lorene Goodwin; special sister, Bea Williams and godchildren, Eric, Emesia, Emell, Evette, Tracy and Marquisha Robinson, Christine, Marcus, and Isaiah; a special friend, Robert and a cohort of cousins and friends. A celebration of life is planned for Mrs. Flake on Saturday, November 24, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Holy Trinity AME Church, 925 Lola Street,Las Vegas, Nevada 89101, Rev. Mike Hatch, eulogist. Mrs. Flake will lie in state on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The committal service and final resting place will be on Thursday, November 29, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. in Enon Baptist Church Cemetery, Fordyce, Arkansas, Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., pastor of Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church will officiate. Active bearers of the casket will be Alex S. Greene, II., Alex S. Greene, III., Myron Harris, Marcus Owens, Edward Robbins and Donte’ Harris. Honorary bearers of the casket will be Elders, Deacons,and Stewards of the Church. Nevada Services provided by, Thomas and Jones Mortuary, 310 Foremaster Lane, Las Vegas, Nevada 89101. Telephone 702.384.7600 Fax 702.384.2774 Arkansas Services provided by Williams Funeral Home.