God saw the road was getting rough,
And the hills were hard to climb.
So He closed your weary eyes and
Whispered “Peace be thine.”

Steven Eric Harris was born on December 24, 1970 to the late Annie Mae and Alfred Francisco Harris in Suffern, NY. He transitioned peacefully into eternity on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.

Steven fondly called “Eric” was the youngest of 3 children. He received his formal education in the East Ramapo Central School District before attending SUNY New Paltz College where he earned his degree in Sociology. He was joined in marriage to Susan Harris and together they brought six children to this union.

During his time at SUNY New Paltz College, Eric could be found playing on the school’s basketball team and singing in the school choir.

While living in Ulster County, Eric was employed the Kingston Division of Youth and Children Services. He was later employed at the Goshen Division of Youth and Children Services in Goshen, NY, Middletown High School, Middletown, NY and The Edwin Gould Academy, Chestnut Ridge, NY. Additionally, having been an athlete his entire school career, his love for sports and children helped him find his sweet spot as he spent many years coaching softball, little league baseball, soccer, basketball and Pop Warner football.

Eric who was affectionately called Nephew, Baby Boy, Darkness, Eagle Beagle, Eagle Beak, G-Pop, Smooth and Cuzzo (just to name a few) by family and friends was caring, fun loving, jovial, and the life of any party. Embodying the spirit of his maternal grandparents, he was a friend too many and “Fam” to most. He moved to a rhythm that transcended race, color, gender, age and social economic backgrounds. On any given day he could be found creating something flavorful and full of love on one of his many grills or smokers.

Eric’s desire to bring our family closer together lead him to start an annual Juneteenth Celebration several years ago. In addition to lots of fun, food and laughter, you would no doubt be serenaded by the Music Playlist King himself as there was something for everyone. It was his vision to bring family and friends together to celebrate and uplift each other, our businesses and learn about our history. Eric had a big caring heart and will truly be missed by all who knew him.

Predeceased by his parents, maternal grandparents Deacon Edward L. Artis Sr. and Reverend Annie L. Artis, paternal grandparents Alfred T. Harris and Alberta Jacobus Harris-Wallace, two Aunts Delois Artis and Patricia Thomas, Eric leaves to lovingly cherish his memory his wife Susan of Haverstraw, NY, daughter Diamond Harris and son Deshawn Harris both of Richmond, VA, daughters Alyssa Mitchell of Bronx, NY, Ashley Mitchell of West Palm, FL, Alexis Mitchell and son Anthony Mitchell both of Haverstraw, NY; four grandchildren Anya Harris and Aria Harris of Richmond, VA, Devyn Rollins of Haverstraw, NY and Cameron Decambre of Bronx, NY; three sisters Adrienne Artis of Albany, NY, Dawn Griffin (Darrell) of Middletown, NY and J. Yolanda Tate (Eugene) of Denver, CO; one brother Tremane Maxwell (Robin) of Denver, CO; four Aunts Evangelist Gloria Miller of Middletown, NY, Reverend Kathleen Artis of Hinesville, GA, Angela Harris of Mesquite, TX and Deborah Maxwell of New York City, NY; Two Uncles Edward L. Artis Jr. of Middletown, NY and Daniel Thomas of Pomona, NY; two Goddaughters Abrianna Johnson of Albany, NY and Tayah Rivers of Middletown, NY; four special brothers Joseph McDole Jr. (Shannon) of New Paltz, NY, Charles Wigfall (Doreen) of Riverdall, GA and Allen Johnson (Mackenzie) of Albany, NY, Daryl McPherson (LaShonda); a special friend Mervinie “Vinvin” Wellington; 4 nieces, 7 great-nieces and nephews, a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.