September 26, 1951 - September 28, 2024

Susan DeAnn Harris of Tulsa, Oklahoma, entered the Lord’s presence on September 28, 2024, at the age of 73. DeAnn was preceded in death by her greatest love and second husband, Edward Semler Harris, son Jeremi Todd Burke, parents Billy Jack Woodard and Rosemary Frances Balentine, and stepfather Roy Evans Balentine. She is survived by her four children: Judson Taylor Burke, Jonathan David Burke, Daniel Joseph (Liz) Burke, and Lacee Eowyn (Paul) Marino. She is also survived by her ten grandchildren and three step-grandchildren; her siblings Melody (Jack) Pokorny, Leisa Sharon Woodard, David Royce Balentine; and her cherished daughter-in-love, Diana Montoya Marin-Ortiz and family.

DeAnn’s life was centered on sharing the Word of God with everyone she met. With her first husband, John Charles Todd Burke, DeAnn began a life of ministry in Cambodia and Northeast India, where she witnessed the power of the gospel to transform lives. Together they co-authored Anointed for Burial, a book recounting their early ministry and humanitarian work in Phnom Penh. Their efforts led to the adoption of 18 orphans by families across the globe, and she kept in touch with many of them throughout her life. DeAnn’s second marriage to Ed Harris was a source of redemption and joy for her, strengthening her faith and deepening her connections with family and friends. Ed and DeAnn moved to St. Louis, Missouri in 1998, and their involvement with Covenant Seminary and Covenant Presbyterian Church expanded her understanding of grace and opened the door to lifelong friendships. Her genuine faith and love for Jesus is documented in dozens of journals she left behind; the majority of the entries and prayers were written in the early morning hours when she faithfully rose to spend time meditating on God’s Word and presence. She believed with her whole heart that “the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is [His] faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

DeAnn’s greatest joy in life was being with people. She was approachable and open with everyone, brightening every room she entered. People who knew her often spoke of her beauty, noting that she carried an inner light that never dimmed, even during immense suffering and loss. DeAnn exercised a remarkable gift of evangelism, consistently pointing others to Jesus Christ and helping them grasp His gospel of grace. Her connections with others were immediate and genuine — it was not uncommon to see her sharing her heart with someone she had just met, as she was uninhibited in striking up conversations with strangers and transparent about God’s story of redemption in her life. Her life was a journey of continuous learning and giving, enriched by her involvement within the churches she attended and the ministries she was a part of, including She Brews, Tulsa Hills Youth Ranch, Stand in the Gap, and the Crossover Prep Scholarship Fund. She loved to serve others and eagerly embraced self-sacrifice.

Beyond exhibiting beauty, DeAnn celebrated and cultivated it wherever she lived. She delighted in nature, caring for a lovely yard and garden that was a haven to birds, small mammals, and insects. She loved animals so much that she often found herself overcommitted with pets. She spent many hours looking for sea turtles on the beach and even tried her hand at stained glass artistry and watercolors of naturescapes. In addition to enjoying natural beauty, DeAnn loved making music. She played the piano, guitar, and harp and could often recreate the tune to a favored song in a matter of minutes. In 1987, she published an album of devotional songs titled Quiet Times that her children cherished and memorized. Still, some of her most original works were the little ditties she composed on the spot for her children and grandchildren, recounting dozens of nicknames she had given them. When she wasn’t enjoying nature and music, DeAnn spent much of her time giving gifts. She would often show up at the door with a gift in hand and a big smile on her face, saying, “I was just thinking of you and thought you would love this.”

Susan DeAnn Harris will be remembered for her profound love, faith, and unwavering commitment to serving others for Jesus Christ. Her life truly embodied Mother Teresa’s words: “To Him I bow, rise, and work. He lovingly gives me strength, will, courage, and wisdom.” DeAnn’s legacy of sacrifice and grace will continue to inspire those who were blessed by her presence.

Services will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at RiverOaks Presbyterian Church, 5150 E. 101st St., Tulsa, OK 74137. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. A light hors d’oeuvres reception will take place afterward, with a graveside service to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5111 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74145. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to She Brews, Tulsa Hills Youth Ranch, or Crossover Prep Scholarship Fund.