Cola Mae Harris was more than Builders Care’s 500th client 10 years ago. Much more.
She represented the very heart of NEFBA’s charitable arm and the reason Builders Care came into existence.
“When Mrs. Harris died last November, we received the news with heavy hearts, because she was so well loved,” said Matt Wilford, Builders Care executive director. “We also had a deep sense of gratitude that we had been able to assist her and make these past 10 years more comfortable for her.”
Known to her friends as Mother Cola Mae, Harris was living in substandard housing in an older neighborhood off Emerson Street, and she did not have the means to bring it up to code. Her home had major electrical, plumbing and foundation problems. It was typical of the living conditions of many of Builders Care’s clients.
Harris’ life revolved around her family, her church and her community. She was active in her church and community as a Sunday school teacher, superintendent of Sunday school, choir director for 33 years, a requested soloist and a recording artist. She took great pleasure in baking and cooking for others. Her giving spirit was an inspiration to all who knew her. So, when she needed help, Builders Care was glad to be there.
Because Harris was the 500th client Builders Care had been able to help, the agency wanted to celebrate in a big way. So big, in fact, they made a television show about it.
The story of Cola Mae Harris was the first episode of a local television show produced by Builders Care to bring awareness to the plight of some of Jacksonville’s most vulnerable citizens.
“The Builders Care team with volunteers from ICI Homes completed in one week what normally would have taken weeks to complete,” Wilford said. “Participating in ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ more or less was the stimulus for the show. It was early reality TV and Cola Mae was our first star.”
Unlike the recipients of home makeovers on national television, the Jacksonville show drew its stars from the city’s list of homeowners who could not afford to make critical repairs to their homes. Often they were senior citizens, disabled, World War II veterans or all three.
With the help of ICI, volunteers and subcontractors, Harris received some extras. There was a new television set with a year of cable service, and a new front porch swing.
Wilford’s father, Don Wilford, is the division president of ICI Homes and worked tirelessly on the home.
“My dad was especially proud of that porch swing,” Wilford said. “He said it made him smile to think of Cola Mae sitting on the porch, swinging and singing hymns. Many of the interior improvements were not the kind you see — electrical work, plumbing. The home looked better to be sure, but more importantly, it was safe and it was comfortable, and the swing was an added pleasure.”
For the staff, volunteers and subcontractors of Builders Care, it was a sad day when Mother Cola Mae was laid to rest.
“We often become personally involved with our clients,” Wilford said. “With Cola Mae, the team adopted her as a grandmother and felt especially close to this remarkable woman who loved the Lord and served him through her ministries at church and in the community. We look forward to seeing her again someday.”