Loretha Mae Harmon

Mrs. Loretha Mae Harmon began her earthly journey on November 15, 1942 in Hattiesburg, MS, born to Rev. Denorn Harris and Ollie Mae (Buckley) Harris as one of eight children; sadly only she along with her eldest sister Mildred, older brother Denorn Jr. (Joe) and younger brother Ernest lived to adulthood.  In the early 1950s, the family moved to Central Illinois where Loretha received her education, graduating from Woodruff High School in Peoria, IL in 1961 and then attending Bradley University.  While still a high school student, she met her future husband, Legunie (Lee) Harmon and on December 22, 1963 they were joined in holy matrimony at Grace Baptist Church in Peoria.  The couple settled in the Champaign-Urbana area and together raised daughter, Leslie and son, Mark. 

In 1969, Mrs. Harmon was hired as the first secretary for the African American Cultural Program of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.  She advanced there in her career to eventually retire as the Assistant Program Director in 2000.

Always desiring to be a positive contributor to her community, Loretha was a part of United Citizens and Neighbors (UCAN), the North Urbana neighborhood organization representing the residents of this area.  She was a long time member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, where she served the youth as a Sunday School teacher for many years.  Additionally she was trained as a Child Evangelism Fellowship teacher and conducted numerous Good News Clubs.  She also served as a mentor for young ladies at Urbana Middle School.

Ending her earthly journey on January 14, 2023, Mrs. Loretha Harmon leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 59 years, Legunie, her daughter, Leslie Harmon of Indianapolis, IN, her son, L. Mark Harmon of Champaign, IL, two grandsons, Onzja LaMarr and Devin, one great granddaughter, Harmony, one great grandson, Onzja LaMarr Jr., one brother, Ernest Lee Harris, along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Mildred Derricks, one brother, Denorn Jr. (Joe), four infant siblings and one infant granddaughter, Ava Janae.

To all loved ones who are mourning her absence today, Loretha would say, “Come to Jesus now and I’ll see you in heaven later.”

A Homegoing service will commence at 11:00 a.m. Friday January 20, 2023 at Leek & Sons Funeral Home, 1215 W. Bradley Ave. Urbana. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Eulogist: Rev. Kent Redmon. A public viewing will be from 3 to 5p.m. Thursday January 19 at Leek & Sons. Interment will be private.

A lieu of flowers donations can be sent to The Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter.

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