William "Jamaal" Harris, eloquently known as "Jamaal" was born on March 8, 1956 in Newark, New Jersey to the late William and Catherine Harris. On Sunday, February 4, 2024, our Heavenly Father quietly called Jamaal home to rest as he was surrounded by his family.
Jamaal was educated in the New Jersey Public School system. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from Saint Augustine's University in May 1988. His employment included serving as a PE Teacher at W.G. Pearson Elementary School of Durham Public Schools, Recreational Director at WallTown Park Recreation Center, and a Life Skills Mental Health Counselor in Raleigh, NC, until he was unable to work. He brightened up the room with his presence, and was always able to put a smile on everybody's face.
He loved to joke and laugh, and was very outspoken. Jamaal was very active in the community, and coached basketball, softball and soccer for the Boys and Girls Club (Raleigh, NC) for many years, where he coached his team through championships and won many awards, one in particular "Coach of the Year".

Jamaal served as a mentor to numerous individuals during his life span. Jamaal met his wife JoAnn in 1984 and was united in Holy Matrimony on June 27, 1992 where this 32-year union produced two children: Jamoria' Harris and Jakoria' Harris, and one grandson, Jayceon "King" Harris, all of the home. Jamaal was preceded in death by his sister Carol Smith.

He leaves to cherish his memory a loving family: wife, JoAnn Harris; two daughters: Jamoria' Harris (Branden), Jakoria' Harris both of Raleigh, NC; one son, Aquino Jamaal Cheatem of Denver, Colorado; one grandson, Jayceon Harris; one mother-in law, Anna Delois Byrd (Ben); two sisters-in law: Dr. Tyrana Battle (William), LaKishe Byrd (DuShun); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.