Catherine Harris

Catherine Cantrelle Harris, 78, of New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2026, in Long Beach, California.

Born on January 5, 1948, at Charity Hospital to Gerald Cantrelle, a laborer, and Betty Jean Cantrelle, a devoted homemaker, Catherine grew up in New Orleans with a heart rooted deep in family, faith, and New Orleans culture. Raised in the Catholic faith, she attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and school, later graduating from McDonogh 35 High School in the class of 1966 before pursuing business courses at Straight's Business School.

From her youth, Catherine embraced life with rhythm and warmth. She grew up playing jacks, sharing snowballs, catching Elvis movies at the theater on Napoleon Avenue, and dancing in the living room while her mother and grandmother watched. Whether roller-skating at the school gym, going to dances at the ILA Hall, or riding on the back of her close friend’s bicycle, Catherine brought joy to every moment.

In 1968, Catherine married Ernest Harris at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in New Orleans. That same year, she gave birth to her first child, Lisa, in April. The family relocated to Los Angeles, California, where she dedicated herself to being a devoted wife and homemaker, later welcoming her pride and joy, her son Duryea Anthony Harris Sr. , in January 1970. Catherine also shared her compassionate spirit as a private caretaker and took immense pride in taking care of her mother, Betty Jean, until her passing.

A master in the kitchen, Catherine loved to cook and feed everyone around her. Her iconic gumbo, Creole cuisine, shrimp stew, potato salad, and array of pastries, cakes, and pies brought people together. She loved coming back home to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras, visit family down in the country along the Mississippi River in St. James, compare sewing techniques, collect recipes, and catch up with her cousins. Outside of family time, Catherine enjoyed shopping, gaming, taking trips to Las Vegas, listening to gospel music—especially Bishop G.E. Patterson and "Take Me to the King"—and finding comfort in Psalm 23.

Catherine is survived by her children, Lisa Morgan and Duryea Anthony Harris Sr. ; her grandchildren, Victoria Wilkerson, Raekwon Morgan, Keina Harris, and Duryea Anthony Harris Jr.; along with a vast, loving network of extended family and lifelong friends who will forever hold her memory dear. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Gerald and Betty Jean Cantrell.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint James Catholic Church, located at 6613 LA-18, St. James, LA 70086; visitation 9:00AM to 11:00AM followed the Mass for 11:00AM. Interment St. James Catholic Church Cemetery.

Final care and professional services entrusted to Treasures of Life Funeral Services, 315 E. Airline Hwy., Gramercy, LA.

“When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a TREASURE”