Dr. Ivan Theodore Harris

With gratitude to God for a life of faithful service, devoted leadership, and unwavering commitment to ministry and community, we celebrate the life and legacy of Pastor Ivan T. Harris, beloved pastor, teacher, musician, mentor, and servant of Christ.

Pastor Ivan T. Harris was born to the late Frank and Beulah Harris on February 16, 1950, in Newport News, Virginia at Whittaker Memorial Hospital. He was one of five sons. He graduated from George Washington Carver High School in Newport News, Virginia, where he participated in the school band and orchestra played both the guitar, the French horn, the tuba, and saxophone.

During his high school years, he met his sweetheart, Sylvia Singleton, a spirited cheerleader who would become the love of his life. After an eight-year courtship and engagement, they were united in marriage in 1974 and shared nearly 52 years of devoted partnership. Their union was blessed with four beautiful children: Iva Timeka, Iris Tenell, Ingrid Theodora, Ivan Theodore II.

As a devoted husband and father, Pastor Harris also built a strong professional career. He was employed at the Newport News Shipyard for 23 years, where he worked faithfully while steadily preparing for and pursuing his call to ministry.

Pastor Harris dedicated his life to the proclamation of the Gospel and the advancement of God's Kingdom. His pastoral journey began at Zion Hill Baptist Church, where he served for three years, followed by seven years at New Hope Baptist Church. He would go on to make history at First Baptist Church Denbigh in Newport News, Virginia affectionately known as "The Church with a Heart in the Heart of Denbigh." Under his visionary leadership, the church grew to more than 2,000 members, and he faithfully shepherded the congregation for 31 years. His remarkable tenure established him as the longest-serving pastor in the church's 160-year history.

In September 2019, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Harris planted Love Christian Church, continuing his lifelong mission of evangelism, discipleship, and community transformation.

Throughout his ministry, Pastor Harris served in numerous leadership roles within religious and civic organizations. His service included the Ministers' Coalition, where he served as Director of Music; the Hampton University Ministers' Conference; President of the Peninsula Pastors Council; Board Member of Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital and a Board Member of NN Free Clinic. For many years, he delighted audiences at the Hampton Ministers' Conference by sharing his God-given talent as a harmonica musician. In 1995, he released his first harmonica album, Jesus Saves.

Pastor Harris' Ministry extended far beyond the pulpit. He preached, ministered, and performed throughout the United States and internationally, touching countless lives through the gospel message and music.

His extraordinary community service earned him numerous honors and recognitions. In 2002, Dr. William R. Harvey, President of Hampton University, presented him with the Hampton University Presidential Citizenship Award for his exceptional efforts to improve the lives of others. In 2003, Newport News Mayor Joe Frank proclaimed April 4, 2003, as "Ivan T. Harris Day" in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the community.

Committed to lifelong learning and spiritual growth, Pastor Harris continually pursued educational and leadership opportunities that strengthened his ministry and expanded his impact. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Hampton University, completed studies at the Evans Smith Institute in Christian Education at Virginia Union University, and received both a Bachelor of Theology and Doctor of Divinity from United Christian College in Goldsboro, North Carolina. He pursued additional graduate studies at Trinity Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana, received a Leadership Certificate from Regent University, and was honored with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Canaan Theological Seminary 2015.

Pastor Harris was a visionary leader whose passion for Kingdom building was demonstrated through both local and global outreach. His ministry took him on three tours of the Holy Land and to Benin, West Africa, where he adopted a village and championed efforts to improve the quality of life for its residents. Through his leadership and collaboration with fellow ministers and supporters, a well, school, medical clinic, and a 300-seat church facility were built and dedicated—providing life-changing resources and opportunities for generations to come.

Closer to home, Pastor Harris remained deeply committed to serving the Denbigh community. He served on the Under his leadership, the First Baptist Church Denbigh Outreach Center was dedicated in September 2006. The facility provided housing for women pursuing higher education, operated a Bread Ministry distributing food to families in need, and maintained a clothing closet to serve the community.

For more than twenty years, Pastor Harris served as Co-Director of the Boys to Men Mentorship Program, helping young men navigate the challenges of manhood through education, mentorship, counseling, character development, and positive role modeling. His influence helped shape the lives of countless young men who continue to benefit from his wisdom and guidance.

Known for his humility, integrity, and dedication to excellence, Pastor Harris lived by the words of       I Corinthians 14:40: "Let all things be done decently and in order." His life reflected that principle in every aspect of his ministry, leadership, and service.

Pastor Harris leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, service, and transformational leadership. His impact will continue to be felt in churches, communities, and lives around the world. While he will be deeply missed, his memory and influence will endure through the countless souls he inspired, mentored, and led to Christ.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Sylvia Singleton Harris; his four children Iva Smith (Demetrious), of Hampton, Virginia, Iris Harris-Williams (James), of Hampton, Virginia, Ingrid Harris, of Hampton, Virginia, Ivan T. Harris II (Alonna), of Lutz, Florida; seven grandchildren Ava Smith, Daylon Smith, Franklin Williams, Ivy Harris, Farrah Williams, Ivan Harris III, Idris Harris; extended family; church family; friends; colleagues in ministry; and countless individuals whose lives were touched by his faith, wisdom, and compassion.

"Well done, good and faithful servant.“ Matthew 25:23

It is the Harris family's desire that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.  

The family of Dr. Ivan Theodore Harris has entrusted his final care to C.C. Carter Funeral Home.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Ivan Theodore Harris, please visit our floral store.