Joan Harris

Joan Harris, 79, entered eternal rest on November 12, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eva J. and Julius Howell; her sisters, Ann Buggs, Velma Dean Yates and Mary Edith Powell; her brothers, Al Howell Sr. and Roosevelt Howell; her husband, Lynn B. Harris Jr. She leaves behind her brother, William (Billy) Howell; her brother-in-law, Walter Harris; sisters-in-law, Shirley Howell, Vivian Harris and Susie Harris as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and colleagues.

Joan earned her bachelor's degree in general science (with an emphasis on chemistry and math) at Saint Paul's College in Lawrenceville, Virginia. In 1966, she began her career as an educator at St. Clare Walker High School in Saluda, Virginia, during the height of segregation. In 1969, St. Clare Walker integrated with Middlesex High School and she became a dedicated and beloved teacher at Middlesex High School until her retirement in 1999. Her commitment to education touched countless students, many of whom remember her fondly and cherish their classroom experience with her.

Joan was a devoted member of Grafton Baptist Church in Hartfield, Virginia. She poured her heart into her faith community, lending her voice to the Senior Choir and Gospel Chorus. Over the years, she took on countless additional roles to uplift and support her church family.

The wake will be 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, November 23, 2024 at the funeral home. The funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 24, 2024 at Grafton Baptist Church, Hartfield, with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Rev. Lewis Johnson will deliver the eulogy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org.

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