EASTPOINTE, Mich. – Family, friends and community members gathered to honor and remember Jennifer Harris, a mother of six who was killed in an Eastpointe McDonald’s.
Harris, 39, was a longtime manager of the McDonald’s restaurant on Nine Mile Road. Police said she was fatally stabbed by an employee during an argument.
The suspect was taken into custody, charged with murder and given a $25 million bond.
Multiple people spoke during a memorial at the restaurant on Monday, July 14, including her daughter, Mayor Michael Klinefelt and restaurant owner Yusef Alcodray.
The common thread among those who spoke was the impact Harris had on her community and colleagues. In their grief, they expressed gratitude for her kindness and leadership.
“It means so much to see everyone here today -- family, friends, crew, customers -- because it shows just how many lives Jennifer touched both in this restaurant and in our community,” Alcondray said." There aren’t enough words to describe the incredible impact Jennifer had on me and on her restaurant family.”
Alcondray thanked everyone for showing up, telling the family they aren’t alone and that the community will support them. He also thanked Dr. Tenisia Evans, from Divine Restoration Ministries, for providing emotional and spiritual support.
“With Pastor Dr. Evans’ help, we have established the official Jennifer Harris Legacy Fund, which will serve as the trust dedicated exclusively to support her children for basic life expenses for housing, for the transportation to their education,” Alcondray said. “Not only am I contributing to this fund, but I will be leveraging every single person in my network to help raise the necessary resources to support these children.”
Alcondray said Harris was more than just a manager who worked for McDonald’s for 15 years; she was someone who treated everyone like family. She fostered a welcoming atmosphere and led by example.
“What I remember always most about Jennifer is how, whether it was for me or for a customer, she would always say, ’Have a blessed day,’” Alcondray recalled. “It’s those small, everyday memories that showed me who Jennifer truly was: A kind, generous and patient person. To Jennifer’s family, please know you will always have family here with us. We are grateful you shared Jennifer with us and we will forever carry her memory in our hearts.”
---> You can donate to the Jennifer Harris Legacy Fund here.