Bennie Jewel Harris went to her heavenly home on Thursday, September 12, 2024 after 84 years of joyous and full life. Bennie Jewel is the third oldest of John L. Harris, Sr. and Gertrude Kelly Harris. She was born June 17, 1940 in Katy, Texas.

She completed her grade school education at Ralph Bunche High School in Brookshire, Texas where she was an exceptional basketball player. After high school at the age of 19, she relocated to Houston, Texas Always looking for an opportunity to advance her knowledge, she furthered her education with studies at Massey Business College.

Bennie Jewel's Christian journey began at an early age as he accepted Jesus Christ and grew up at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Katy, Texas under the leadership of Rev. S.M. Jeffery. After moving to Houston, she served at several church until her family joined Mt. Hebron Baptist Church.  She and her family later joined Pisidia Missionary Baptist Church as founding members. She served faithfully in various ministries including Women's Mission President, Youth Director, Pastor's Aide President, BTU Superintendent, Vacation Bible School Director, and active leader in the National Baptist Convention USA until her husband began pastoring.

She loved The Lord with all of her Soul. She served as First Lady of St. James Missionary Baptist Church until her departure under the leadership of her husband, Pastor Ruben.

A true servant who touched the lives of so many while she served her church, she was also a vigilant servant of the community and her neighborhood.  Every child that came to her home, went to church with her, and joined. With her love for children, she spent 40+ years in education and retired from Worthing High School working in administration in 2005.

Bennie Jewel married the love of her life, Rev. Richard Dean Ruben on January 13, 1961. Born to this union were four children:

To continue the life of legacy, she leaves to cherish her memories devoted to her loving children Vickie Lynn Ruben (deceased), Ricky Dean Ruben, Lolita Ruben Harris and Amanda Denise Ruben, Godmother to Dr. Christopher F. Hartwell, Shawn Robinson Arceneaux,  DanTeya' Reddy, sister, Ida Mae Harris Banks, brother, John L. Harris, Jr., sister, Jonnie Ruth Harris Branch (John Branch), aunt, Ruth Harris Grant, special friends, Lula Adams,  LeJune Holcombe Washington, Geraldine Gillespie and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

The greatest grandmother to Anthony Jones, Shunta Long, Reginald Jones, Victoria Long Robinson (Roger Robinson), Darryl Keys (Erika Keys), George Harris (deceased), Kendrick Blue (Sha'Nya Blue), Kendall Blue, Cynovia Hall, Jade Hall and Richard Hall

A soft spoken angel to her great grandchildren: Avilyn Deon, Zara Deon, Kason Deon , Campbell,  Anthony J. ll, Damarion, Laila, Paris, Brysen, Skylar, Reagan Gabrielle, and Ethan Amari, Jamaya, Jalynn, and Jayda

Of course, she leaves a legacy of strength, courage and love not only to her family but to those who knew and loved her.  She had so many special children that she cherished with all her heart and soul.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Jon, L Harris and Gertrude Kelly Harris, sister, Claudia Harris Byrd Burley, brother Tony Michael Harris, and daughter, Vicki Lynn Ruben.