The sun rose in Marvel, AL on January 22, 1939, when Fannie Lee Harris was born to James E. and Annie Grace (Allen) Harris.  The sun set on March 13, 2022, when Fannie went home to rest in the arms of her Savior.

After graduating from Prentice High School, Fannie moved from Alabama to Cleveland, OH. At the age of 19, she  married Fred Lee Tolbert, and they relocated to Akron, OH. To this union five children were born: Celeste, Karen, Fred Jr., Brian, and Chandra.

Fannie was gifted in many areas.  She was a homemaker and an entrepreneur in her own right.  She was a self-taught, skilled seamstress. You just had to tell her what you wanted, and she would find or create a pattern to make it. From every day clothing items for her children and their friends to formal wear such as homecoming and prom dresses, bridesmaids' gowns, and she even made a wedding dress for her daughter.  For her church, she made choir robes, usher board uniforms, Easter outfits, and any other requested items.  Fannie continued sewing for many years, and for her grandchildren, she made clothing for them, their dolls, and she made Halloween costumes. Over the years, so many have walked proudly in "Fashions by Fannie".

After raising her children and being a homemaker, Fannie decided to pursue her passion for working with the elderly. She attended The University of Akron and earned an Associate degree in Social Services, with a concentration in Gerontology. For many years she worked with the elderly population at community and senior centers as an Activities Coordinator. After retiring, she volunteered as an advocate for children and seniors.

Fannie was a member of Mount Calvary Baptist for many years where she served as a Deaconess, and many other auxiliaries and committees.  Later upon moving to Canton, OH, she united with Bethel CME Church.

Fannie was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Herman Harris and Edward Harris, sister, Cora Goines, and great grandson, Gage Zirke.

To cherish her beloved memory she leaves her five children, who were her pride and joy, Celeste Tolbert, Karen (Michael) Parnell, Fred Tolbert Jr., Brian Tolbert, and Chandra (Eric) Pannell; brother, Willie James Harris of Fresno, CA and sister, Edith (Jimmie) McCrary of Huntsville, AL; grandchildren, Lucrecia Tolbert-Rogers, Brian M. (Tameka) Tolbert, Bianisha (Tommy) Smoot, Matthew (Michelle) Parnell, Whitney (Trevor) Williams, Carmen Parnell, Brittany Fain, Morgan Johnson, Evan (Marina) Pannell, Tyler Johnson, Lauren Pannell, and Eric Tolbert; godson, Brandyn Jenkins; great grandchildren, Chyan Rogers, Brianna and Brian Tolbert, Marcus and Mekhi Junius, Amelia and Thomas Smoot III, Wesley Williams, and Baby Pannell (due in June 2022). Also cherishing her memory  are sisters-in-law, Callie Harris, Ida Davis, and Lorraine Tolbert; brother-in-law, Wales Williams, Sr; special family members, Maggie Fain , Rhonda Black, Tonya Tolbert, Garrick Black II, Joseph McCorvey, Kimberle Temple, and Mother Margaret Roberts. There are also a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will cherish her memory.