Cleta Mae Marks (Harris)

Cleta Mae Harris-Marks, 82, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, surrounded by family. She was born on January 24, 1943, to Oscar J. Harris and Mary Ruth Harris.

Cleta Mae was educated at Booker T. Washington School, later attending Lincoln Junior and Senior High School before graduating from Central High School. She accepted Christ at a young age and was a devoted member of Peace Lutheran Church, where she loved singing and served actively as a member of WMU.

Throughout her life, Cleta worked diligently in hospitality, beginning at The Adams Hotel and later at various establishments including The Hilton Plaza Inn, where she once cleaned the room of Elvis Presley. She also served as a bus monitor for Stock and Durham School Bus Service until health challenges required her to retire.

Cleta married Albert D. Abbott in February 1969, and to this union one daughter, Rhonda D. Abbott, was born. Albert also lovingly adopted her four other children as his own. In June 1987, Cleta married Cutie M. Marks, with whom she shared her later years.

Cleta found joy in playing cards and dominoes, working puzzle books, watching The Young and the Restless, and spending time with her family. Known to many as “Momma” or “Gma,” she was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Mary Harris; daughter, Rhonda Abbott; sister, Viola Garrett; brother, James Harris; grandson, James Robertson Jr.; and nephew, Ronald Harris.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children Edward Abbott, Jacqueline Abbott-Cummings, William Abbott (Katherine Abbott), Jeffrey Abbott (Tracy Abbott), Cynthia Abbott-Robertson, and Kisha Abbott-Ward; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Services will be held Friday, November 7, 2025, at 8240 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri 64138. Visitation will be from 9:30–10:30 a.m. with the Celebration of Life beginning at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at 12 Gates Cemetery, 9500 Bannister Rd, KAnsas City, MO 6413