Lealtus "Sug" Harris

Obituary for Lealtus (Williams) Harris

Affectionately known as "Sug"

Sunrise: January 21, 1931

Sunset: May 3, 2025

Lealtus (Williams) Harris, affectionately known as "Sug," passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025, in Abilene, Texas, at the age of 94. A proud lifelong Texan, she was born in Rule, Texas, on January 21, 1931, and raised in nearby Haskell.

Family

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leo Harris; her siblings Mary Jean Williams, Barbara Reece, John "Smooth" Williams Jr., Charles Williams, and Baby Sister Harrie Eugene Williams; her bonus children Arthur Lee Harris, Connie Harris, and Betty Rockwell; and her parents, John and Onzia Williams.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength through her children: Brenda Burton, Terri James (Eric James), and longtime former son-in-law Donald Burton; her grandchildren Amber Burton Alfred (Johnny Alfred III), Antoine James (Bianca James), Aaron "Sundi" James, and Taia James; and her great-grandchildren Traejon Bogney, Alexa Bogney, Khalil James, Braeden Bogney, Kamal James, and Amaya Alfred. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and loved ones.

In her final days, in addition to family she was also supported by cherished friends in her final days including: Angela Jordan-Whisenhunt and Chelle Whisenhunt-Jordan, Toni Rios-Benavides, Eugenia Burton, Roxy "Suki," Jeannette McCrary, Eddie "Bo" Johnson, Serena Alcides and Family, Jean Sessions, Jimmy Flye, Donna Douglas, Betty Johnston, Sue Marion, Minister Barbara Hopkins, Napolean Crothers, Logan and the Knox County EMS team.

Life and Legacy

Lealtus Harris was a proud life-long Texan. She was born in Rule and the family moved to Haskell when she was a young child. During the years of her childhood, Haskell provided no post-elementary education for Black children, and she was moved to Tyler to attend boarding school at Butler College, where she finished middle school and earned her high school diploma.

She continued her education at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin and later earned certifications in cosmetology, teaching, and the medical field. Education was a value she deeply instilled in her family and community. At the age of just 25, after returning from cosmetology school in Fort Worth, Sug opened her own beauty shop and quickly became the go-to beautician in the area for nearly six decades. She lived in Haskell until 1956 when she and her husband Leo Harris moved to Knox City, TX where they raised their daughters Brenda Gail and Terri Ann.

Over the years, she balanced her entrepreneurial spirit with roles at the Knox City-O'Brien CISD and Knox County Hospital District. Sug and her husband, Leo, not only worked tirelessly but also prioritized building a lasting legacy rooted in faith, family, and education.
She resided in Knox City until 2025.

Sug's passions extended beyond work. She was an avid dancer who loved music and frequently recalled her youth dancing to B.B. King at the Yellow Dog in Haskell. She enjoyed dominoes, card games, and was known for her sharp wit and lively spirit. As a member of the Grand Court Order of Calanthe—one of the most prominent African-American women-run fraternal organizations—she demonstrated lifelong commitment to service and sisterhood.

A devoted Baptist, Sug remained active in several area churches and maintained a deep connection to her home church, Greater Independence Baptist in Haskell. Her generosity knew no bounds—she gave freely to those in need, mentored young people, and uplifted her community through both quiet gestures and bold acts of love.

To describe Sug is to speak of strength, faith, and fierce devotion. Known as Ms. Sug, Mother Sug, Aunt Sug, and Mother Harris, she was a woman who loved deeply, worked tirelessly, and held firm to her values. She was the embodiment of grace under fire—expecting excellence not only from her family but from everyone she touched. Her presence commanded respect and gave comfort, and her legacy will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her.

Service Details:

A celebration of life will be held:
Date:  Saturday, May 10, 2025
Time:  11:00 a.m.
Place: First Baptist Church
200 South Central Ave.
Knox City, TX 79529

Burial to follow at Knox City Cemetery under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes, Knox City.

Flowers may be sent to:
Smith Family Funeral Home
210 North Avenue A
Knox City, TX 79529