LaRon "Ronnie" Charles Harris II

LaRon Charles Harris II, 32, of Benton Harbor passed away Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024 due to complications from congenital asthma.

LaRon was born Feb. 3, 1992 in Kalamazoo, Mich., to LaRon Harris and Sheletha Monet Sterling-Maldonado.

A former resident of Stevensville, he attended Lakeshore High School where he participated in basketball and football. Gifted with natural athleticism, LaRon — who was affectionately known as “Ronnie” — once amazed spectators after he made an impressive full-court basketball shot.

Following high school, LaRon spent time in Grand Rapids, Mich. While there, he sought encouragement and guidance from his uncle and mentor, Pastor Jerry Bishop of Lifequest Urban Outreach, an inner-city church with a focus on young men.

Recently, LaRon relocated back to Benton Harbor where he accepted Christ, and faithfully attended the Church in Benton Harbor, led by his uncle Elder Albert L. Adams.

Among his many passions, LaRon loved listening to music and sharing on social media. However, his greatest joy was found when he was surrounded by his loved ones. He especially cherished the holidays — a time when he could relish in good company, food and fun. Because of this, LaRon valued being surrounded by his many relatives and was excited to celebrate Thanksgiving with his dad. Moreover, each year, LaRon took great delight in attending annual New Year’s festivities with his mom. Regardless of the family event, there was no shortage of adoration for LaRon.

Like his favorite color green, LaRon was full of energy, and lived his life to the fullest. A kind, gentle, loving son, grandson, “big” brother, nephew, cousin, and friend, LaRon — our beloved “Ronnie” — was known for his magnetic personality, contagious laughter, endless sense of humor and happy disposition. He was immensely loved, and will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

Although LaRon’s season has ended, he will always be remembered. To honor his legacy, Lifequest will name its counseling center “Ronnie’s Room.”

LaRon was preceded in death by his grandparents: L.C. and Sheletha Sterling and Lucille Harris; his uncles: Larry Sterling, Eric Sterling, Kelvin Sterling, Jeff Sterling and Duane Sterling; his aunts: Veronica Sterling and Renell Kyle.

Survivors include his parents: LaRon (Alexis) Harris of St. Joseph and Sheletha (Jose) Sterling-Maldonado of Fayetteville, Ga; his grandfather: Charles E. Harris of St. Joseph; his siblings: Addison Harris of St. Joseph, Anne (Joe) Wilkins of Portage, Mich., Aniya Harris and Ava Harris, both of St. Joseph, Xochithl Maldonado of Tucker, Ga., Doris Maldonado and Sintia Maldonado, both of Honduras, as well as a host of family and friends.

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