"Keys of Grace: a Life in Melody"

Pamala Hall Harris was born on October 13, 1949, to the parentage of Garland and Maxie Harrison Hall in Sparkman, Arkansas. She was the younger of two children.

Pamala accepted Christ at a young age and began to use her God-given talent as a member of the youth department. She began playing for Sunday School at her home church, First Missionary Baptist in Sparkman, Arkansas. Soon after, she became the church’s pianist playing for the choir, as well as the worship services. She continued to play for her home church throughout her years in grade school, college, and early years of marriage.

She attended Sparkman Training School and graduated in 1967. Her education was continued at Henderson State University, where she graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. She furthered her studies by completing graduate studies in Special Education at Henderson State University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

On June 12, 1971, she united in holy matrimony to Kenneth G. Harris, Jr. This union was blessed with one daughter, Kristi Tajma Kendra and one granddaughter, Kamryn Camille-Elise. This marriage also united them in their church music ministry, creating a remarkable husband-wife team.

Her Ministry

She played the piano with her husband, Kenneth playing the organ, and together they ministered across the state, as well as the United States. She was not only an excellent and creative music specialist, but she was also an anointed, dedicated, committed, and gifted church musician.

Pamala and her husband’s music ministry team served Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church for approximately for 43 years In addition, this team served the Southwest District Association Music and Worship Arts Department for approximately 30 years. They also played for the SWD Congress of Christian Education, and she played for the Women’s Department. She faithfully played for the Consolidated Missionary Baptist State Convention (CMBSC) with her husband for over 25 years. Additionally, she assisted her husband as a musician with the Southwest Region Laymen’s Department of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.

At Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, she was one of the first females to serve as a trustee and held the position of secretary until her transition. She also held the positions of deaconess and chair of the culinary committee for several years insisting on delectable foods as well as an inviting atmosphere.

Her home was a gathering place to numerous college students and her daughter’s and granddaughter’s friends. Pamala was a phenomenal cooked and she showed her love through her cooking. Some of her well-known trademark pastries and specialties in the kitchen were her Strawberry Cake, Pound Cake, Buttermilk Pie, Apple Spice Cake, Rum Cake, Candied Yams, Asian Slaw, Hot Water Cornbread, and Spice Tea.

Her Professional Career

Her professional career began with the Hot Springs School District in January 1972, as a special education teacher. Later, she transferred to teaching elementary music in Hot Springs until 1979. Pamala started teaching elementary music in the Arkadelphia Public School District in the Fall of 1980. She had a stellar career as an elementary music specialist that spanned across generations of students in Arkadelphia until she retired in 2020. One of the highlights of her career include, serving on a statewide committee to foster the music curriculum for the State of Arkansas. She was also tapped by the Arkansas Department of Education to evaluate other school music programs across the state. Pamala was the first minority member of the Arkadelphia Philharmonic Club, which is a prestigious music organization. As a music educator, Pamala began The Central Singing Bears Choir at Central Elementary School. This choir performed every December at the State Capitol and had the honor of singing for President Bill Clinton.

Her Service

Pam was inducted into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Sigma Beta Omega Chapter on March 12, 2000. Later, she transferred and continued to serve in Chi Nu Omega Chapter, her local chapter. She also served for seven years as the graduate advisor of the Theta Eta Chapter on the campus of Henderson State University. She was a past member of the Group Living Board of Directors in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She was a proud member of the Sunshine Service Club for more than 40 years.

Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Garland and Maxie Harrison Hall; and her brother, Garland Hall; her aunts and uncles.

Her life, legacy, love, and service can easily be summarized and characterized in the words of the hymnologist who said it best, “Servant of God, well done! Rest from thy love employ; the battle fought, the victory won, enter thy Master’s joy”.

She leaves a legacy of love and memories with her husband, Kenneth G. Harris, Jr., her daughter, Kristi Harris Brown of Texarkana, TX; her granddaughter, Kamryn Brown of Conway, AR; nephews, Ken (Sonya) Hall and Reggie Hall of St. Louis, MO; Yvonne Jo Harris whom she loved as a sister; her sisters-in-law, Diane Harris Robbins and Katie Harris Greene; nephews Christopher (Kristi) Dowd of Los Angeles, CA; Keith Harris of Las Vegas, NV, Myron (Anita) Harris of Las Vegas, NV, and Alex Greene of Los Angeles, CA, childhood best friend, Georgia (Horace) Calloway of Dallas, TX, special family friends, Wesley and Joyce Hawkins of Mansfield, LA; two goddaughterS, Jennifer Hawkins and Venus Boyd; a godson Roland L. Gosey; a god sister, Diane (Michael) Epps. She also leaves a host of cousins, bonus children, bonus grandchildren, special friends to many to name, former coworkers, and the Greater Pleasant Hill Church Family.

Submitted by the Harris Family