Phyllis Rosetta (Sampson) Harris

In Loving Memory of Phyllis Harris

Phyllis Harris, mother, wife, sister, auntie, and friend, departed this life in her home on November 6, 2025, at the age of 77. She was born on July 14, 1948, in Caroline County, Maryland to the late Willie and Manie Sampson.

Phyllis’ life was defined by her immeasurable strength and her vibrant, bold personality. Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Randy Harris, and their daughter, Ebony Harris. Over the years, Phyllis also loss three brothers, Willie ‘Buddy’ Sampson, David Sampson, and Gary Sampson.

Raised in Federalsburg, Maryland, Phyllis attended Caroline County Public Schools. While her roots were planted in Federasburg, she relocated at a young age to Newark, New Jersey where she acquired the skills and education to become a certified healthcare professional. In the early 1970s, she began her career in healthcare as a medical technician, working at Greystone Psychiatric Hospital and Martland Hospital. It was during her time at Martland Hospital that she met the love of her life, Randy Harris. On January 27, 1979 Phyllis and Randy were married in Federalsburg. They eventually made their home in East New Market, Maryland and were happily married for 44 years. Later, Phyllis would go on to make a sharp career change, leaving behind her work in the medical field to become a correctional officer. She proudly served the Talbot County Department of Corrections for 24 years, earning the respect of her colleagues and making a lasting impact on the community.

Phyllis was a woman who truly lived life on her own terms. Her feisty, one of a kind personality left a huge impression on all those in her path. She had a rare gift for bringing humor and joy into any room she entered, lighting up the atmosphere with her electric energy. Known for her quick wit and unfiltered honesty, Phyllis had a way of keeping everyone on their toes. Her ability to give people their own signature nicknames along with her comedic sense of humor made her unforgettable to everyone. Although Phyllis had the ability to make us laugh, she was also very smart and extremely wise. She was always teaching, guiding, and helping others, and she could handle important business and tap into a wealth of resources to help those in need.

Phyllis was a force to be reckoned with—sharp-tongued and no-nonsense, she did not sugarcoat anything. One of her favorite pastimes was sitting around the card table playing Tunk, and without  hesitation, she had no problem letting you know exactly what was on her mind while she was playing.  But, those who were fortunate enough to earn her love and trust knew that Phyllis loved deeply, and if she cared for you, it was unconditional. Whether you loved her or found yourself trying to figure her out, one thing was certain—there was never a dull moment when she was around.

Left to cherish Phyllis’ memory—one son, Ralph Baltimore and his wife Lolita of Germany; one daughter, Carla Daggs of Fruitland, Maryland; three grandsons, Devin and Donovan Lake of Salisbury, Maryland and Manuel Kessen of Germany; three great-grandchildren, Noah Kessen of Germany, Daisy and Dionne Stulchik of Salisbury, Maryland; three sisters, Doreen Hutcherson of Newark, New Jersey, Peggy Cooper of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Joan Murray of Federalsburg, Maryland and a large host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Rest in sweet peace, Phyllis. You will live on in our hearts and minds forever.

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