Theola Barrow, last surviving House of Mercy director in Harris family, dies at 84
Theola Barrow, whose life was dedicated to helping house the homeless, has gone to her eternal home.
Barrow, retired director of the House of Mercy, died Tuesday night in Columbus Hospice from pancreatic cancer, her cousin Patricia Greene told the Ledger-Enquirer. She was 84.
Barrow worked her way up to director from 1994-2006. She succeeded her mother, Ocie Harris, who founded House of Mercy in 1977 and served as director until her death.
The shelter was the family’s vocation and passion. Harris’ son, Bobby Harris, and his wife, Johanne Harris, and their son, Bobby Harris Jr., served as directors as well.
“I always felt like that was a God-given gift in our family,” said Greene, who also worked in the shelter.
Now, all those family members who were directors have died. Johnny Womack, unrelated, is the current director.
Greene described Barrow as “a very loving and caring person. She was a faithful person, faithful to her job.”
And an excellent listener.
“When she talked to people, she took time to understand what their problem was and always was able to give the best advice,” Greene said. “… When people came through there, it was like they felt they were part of our family because they were treated like that.”
Cecil Cheves, who chaired the House of Mercy board while Barrow was director, called her “a wonderful woman” who exemplified grace and grit.
“She always had a smile when she greeted you,” Cheves told the L-E. “She loved all the people that showed up at the House of Mercy, but she ran it firmly. She had rules. You had to behave. You had to go to church.”
Barrow’s heart and Bible always were open to all people, Cheves said.
Cheves also praised Barrow for not compromising her faith when it came to funding the shelter.
“All the donations were private,” he said. “She did not accept government money for that reason. She wanted to be sure the House of Mercy was not just simply a place to rest and have a roof over your head at night. She wanted to make sure they were fed with spiritual food as well.”
Barrow’s funeral will be at 11 a.m. March 17 in Greater Peace Baptist Church, 2821 Eighth St., in Columbus, and visitation will be March 16 from 3-5 p.m., according to her obituary.
This story was originally published March 10, 2022 at 10:36 AM.
