Kimkeá Lachea Harris

Attorney Kimkeá Lachea Harris was born on September 25, 1972, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Carolyn Harris Bowen and Larry Walker. She attended Hawkins Mill Elementary School and graduated from Trezevant High School in 1990. She attended Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee where she was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Pi Chapter on November 8, 1992. After graduating in 1994, Kimkeá went on to attend Washington and Lee University School of Law in Lexington, Virginia. She earned her Juris Doctorate degree in 1997. Kimkeá confessed her faith in God at the age of nine at St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church in Millington, Tennessee. She directed and sang in the church choir for many years, remaining active until she left for college. Kimkeá demonstrated both generosity and care, consistently ensuring her mother’s needs were met. She made thoughtful efforts to introduce her mother to modern technology, approaching the process with patience and good humor. Kimkeá was a talented and dedicated attorney who provided her legal expertise to numerous entities throughout her distinguished career. She served as an Associate Attorney with the law firm of Archibald & Halmon; Assistant District Attorney for Shelby County, TN; Assistant Counsel for Memphis Shelby County Schools; Assistant Attorney for the City of Memphis; and Associate Attorney at Johnson & Brown. In 2011, she relocated to Chicago, where she proudly served as an Attorney for the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council. Kimkeá was a passionate and humble servant who continually sought ways to improve the lives of others. While in Memphis, she started her own charitable organization called D.O.V.E.S. (Daughters of Virtue Exalting the Savior), which provided fellowship and mentoring to teenage girls. Her dedication to service was exhibited by her 33 years of membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She was an active member in the Alpha Beta Delta Omega Chapter when she became an Ivy Beyond the Wall. One of her proudest achievements was successfully spearheading a nationally recognized effort to remove Pervis Payne from death row, after his wrongful conviction, literally saving his life. In this effort, she served as co-chair of the Legal Justice Task Force of the National Bar Association, advocating for fairness and justice within the legal system. Her greatest love was for her pets. Her first was Kaleb, followed by Justice and Phoenix—and, for the record, she loved her mom too. Kimkeá’s love for animals was boundless, and she shared that love generously by fostering dogs and cats in need through PAWS Chicago. The neighborhood is still talking about her Shih Tzu Meet Up, where she lovingly gathered Shih Tzus, their owners, and local vendors for a fun day of connection and community. It was so special that families of other breeds begged to come. In addition to her beloved pets, Kimkeá was an avid traveler with a passion for international exploration. Curious and fearless, she embraced new cultures and experiences, never hesitating to journey on her own and see the world on her own. Kimkeá leaves to cherish her memory and thank God for her life: her beloved mother, Carolyn Harris Bowen; her second mothers, aunts Emma Harris, Gracie Collins (Lozie), and Mary Markham (Otho); and her surrogate fathers, uncles John Harris, Willis Harris (Kathy), and Lawrence Harris, Jr. (Inez). She is also lovingly remembered by her invaluable cousins Kailah Lewis, Chelsea “Tina” Dervin (Shawn), Leah Harris, Paula White (Larry), Korey Garcia, André Harris (Sonya), Joseph Harris (Chauntay), and Markus Harris, who have been a rock for Kimkeá and her mother. She leaves behind her sisters Krystal Irby, Andrea Michelle Walker, Latoya Walker, and Erin Dallas; her brothers Derrick Walker (Bridgette) and Justin Walker (Monique); along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, friends, and Sorors. Kimkeá was truly one of a kind — in more than just her name. Her mother gives thanks to God for the privilege of being her mom and says, “I love you, daughter, and I will see you on the other side.”

Kimkeá Lachea Harris

September 25, 1972 - March 15, 2026