Mr. Matthew Harris, Sr. was born on September 23, 1941 in Itta Bena, Mississippi to the union of Matthew Harris and Mary Lee Foster. He was raised in the household of Norvell and Mary Lee Hollingsworth. He confessed a hope in Jesus Christ at a young age. Growing up Matthew received his education in the Mississippi school system.

Matthew moved to the East St. Louis area in the late 1950's. He met and married Bertha Harris. He loved to stay busy, working in construction and on cars. In his free time, he would help people by being a handyman. Matthew was a people person, loving to talk to anyone that would listen. He was very likable and easy going. He always had a smile for you.

Matthew was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, brother, Sammie Lee Harris, sister, Elvira Rose Wooden and a life long friend, Callie McDade. He departed this life on June 21, 2017 in Belleville, Illinois. He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Genel King, Matthew Harris, Jr., Felecia Harris, Bertha Harris, Marco Harris, Jermaine Lathern, Tiffany Lathern and Tosha Thomas;
Numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three brothers, Willie James Harris, Eugene Harris and Norvell Hollingsworth, Jr.; a special friend, Alberta Cistrunk & family; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.