Delores (Suemnicht) Harriss, 75, of New Athens, Illinois, passed away on July 26, 2023 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was devoted to teaching, her church and her family.

Delores was born September 11, 1947 to Clarence and Jeanette (Goeddel) Suemnicht in Belleville, Illinois. She grew up in New Athens and moved to Sparta when she was a senior in high school. She graduated from Sparta High School in 1965. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University and her Master’s Degree in Education from SIUE. Delores retired from teaching at Southwestern Illinois College in 2009.  She was an active member of St. John’s United Church of Christ in New Athens and St. John’s Women’s Guild. Delores loved going to St. Louis Cardinals games, going to The Muny, playing Pinochle, playing Bunco, doing Sudoku puzzles and spending time with her family.

Delores was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Jeanette (Goeddel) Suemnicht and her in-laws, Edward and Grace Harriss.

Delores is survived by her husband, James Harriss, whom she married November 25, 1967 in Sparta, Illinois; daughter Jill (Jim) Alfeldt of New Athens; son Scott (Dionne) Harriss of New Athens; grandchildren Jonathan Alfeldt, Jenna Alfeldt, Grant Harriss, Jack Alfeldt and Jolie Alfeldt; brothers Vernon (Pam) Suemnicht, Cletus (Sharon) Suemnicht and Leroy (Joni) Suemnicht; sister-in-law Betty (Tom) Sheeler; brothers-in-law Cecil (Bonnie) Harriss, Paul (Mardean) Harriss, Kenny (Marsha) Harriss and Chuck (Jean) Harriss; many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to St. John’s United Church of Christ in New Athens or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Visitation:  Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 30, 2023, and from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday, July 31, 2023, at St. John’s United Church of Christ, New Athens, IL.

Funeral: The funeral will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, July 31, 2023, at St. John’s United Church of Christ in New Athens with Dr. Robert Koch officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in New Athens.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens is in charge of arrangements.

1. Mary Stutz Schlieckert says:

   07/31/2023 at 11:07 am

   My sympathy to the family. Delores and I shared many activities through school and church. She was a very good friend.

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2. John & Alice Kuehn says:

   07/28/2023 at 12:39 pm

   Jim and family,
   We were so sorry to read of Delores’s death. We both remember her kindness and her warm smile. We will keep all of you in our prayers.

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3. CHARLENE A LESSLEY says:

   07/28/2023 at 8:09 am

   Jim, I have nothing but great memories of Delores. She and Mary Ann were such good friends to me when I went to Eastern Illinois University. We so enjoyed our time with you and her at the 65-year-old birthday party in Sarasota.
   We’re so thankful she is healed and with her Savior and Lord in perfect health again.
   Charlene and Norris Lessley

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4. Iris Doza Davis says:

   07/28/2023 at 12:51 am

   Jim, I am so sorry for your loss … I just ask Peggy about Delores 3 days ago … sending you & your family prayers … 🙏🙏

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5. Marcia Owens says:

   07/27/2023 at 11:54 pm

   Delores was a great teacher..she gave a lot to her students and expected the most from them in return. She was a wonderful educator and friend! My condolences to the Harriss family! My God’s hands touch you and give you strength!

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6. Mary Ann Kelly says:

   07/27/2023 at 12:32 pm

   Jim, I am so sorry for your loss.

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