Patsy Ann Harris

Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. AMEN.  Ephesians 3:20-21

Those who love me when I am gone, release me and let me go. I have so many things to see and do, you must not tie yourself to me with tears, be thankful for our beautiful years. I gave my love to you and know it was from the heart. You can only guess how much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you have shown, but now it’s time I travel on alone. So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must. Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It is only for a while that we must part, so bless the memories within your hearts. I won’t be far away, for life goes on. So if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near. And if you listen with your heart, you will hear all my love around you soft and clear, and then when you must come this way alone, I will greet you with a smile, and say “Welcome Home.”

As we retrace the footprints of Patsy Ann Harris, we can incontestably give thanks for the many lives she touched and enriched along her life’s journey.

Patsy, or Patsy Ann as we all knew her, began her incredible journey of life on August 15, 1957, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas as the daughter of Mary Caroline Page and Pat C. Harris.

As a young child, she accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior and was baptized at St. Paul A.M.E. Church. She not only loved Jesus, but loved her church. As both a choir member and soloist, she was gifted with the anointed voice of an angel. Patsy joyfully and fervently ministered in song to thousands across the state of Arkansas during her life span. She remained a dedicated, servant hearted, generous, supportive and active member of St. Paul down through the years.

Through the influence of her mother and her closely knit family, the characteristics of integrity, honesty, work ethic, perseverance, self-reliance, kindness, caring, wisdom and humility were instilled in Patsy.  As a child and young lady, her peers (as well as adults) were attracted to her beautiful voice, animation, high energy, laughter, consistent smile, sense of humor, selflessness, intelligence, and gift for story-telling. She was a 1975 graduate of Arkadelphia High School where she demonstrated ongoing enthusiasm for learning new things, developing friendships, helping and entertaining others and cheering on the Badgers! Her outgoing personality infiltrated the campus and community. Patsy attended Henderson State University and was an avid Reddie fan and later became an ardent supporter of the OBU Tigers and Arkansas Razorbacks.

In 1981, Patsy gave birth to a beautiful baby boy whom she proudly named Corey Dewayne. She loved him immeasurably and sacrificed to give him the best life he could ever imagine. A smile spread across her face whenever she spoke of her ‘Dr. Corey Dewayne Harris’. She shared that her greatest accomplishments were being a mother and grandmother.  If you knew Patsy, you felt as if you knew Co - He was her heartbeat!

Friends and family remember her as always having a keen sense of fashion, a true influencer. Diva Harris was enamored with beautiful hair styles, trendy clothing and exquisite jewelry.  She was well known for her Sunday Facebook photo sessions. She was light on her feet, modeled like a professional, captivated her viewers with that smile, those poses and her unique style. 

Patsy Harris loved serving others. She worked at Riverwood Skilled Nursing Facility where the residents loved the care and attention that she gave and the songs she sang for them.  She continued in the capacity of serving, as she was a dedicated employee for over 30 years at the Arkadelphia Human Development Center assisting clients with special needs.  Upon retirement, she continued to make a difference in the lives of the developmentally disabled and worked at Rainbow of Challenges for several years. Patsy possessed a natural nurturing and loving spirit that transcended far beyond her job description. Her passion for people and joyful attitude reflected the unconditional love of Jesus, causing her clients and co-workers to feel accepted and valued.

During the entirety of her 65 seasons, Patsy effortlessly made friends regardless of race, gender, faith or creed. The doors of her home were open to all!  It was filled with music, laughter, stories, listening ears, empathy and love.  She reached out to humanity worldwide.  Everybody was a Somebody to Patsy Ann.  She freely offered wise counsel, gave generously to those in need and inspired everyone who crossed her path. Her laughter was contagious; simply a beautiful person.  Because of our Patsy, the world is a better place. She readily understood and fulfilled the assignment! 

Family, as well as friends, will miss her sense of humor, melodious voice, smile and acts of love; the impact of Patsy’s sweet spirit and compassion will be remembered indefinitely.  Although Patsy lived what some may call a short life, those who were touched by her understood that the quality of her existence far exceeded the quantity of time many of us spent with her.

On Tuesday afternoon, September 27th, Patsy Ann Harris was welcomed to her eternal home by her Savior, her mother, father and sister (Mary Francis Harris Tolliver) as well as many aunts and uncles.  Maya Angelou said it best -“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away”.

Patsy Ann leaves to celebrate and honor her life’s journey-her beloved son, Dr. Corey Dewayne Harris and his beautiful wife Terri, precious granddaughter Kennedy Mechelle (her mini Patsy) and handsome grandson Maurice, three protective and loving brothers - Dennis Parker of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, Donald (Betty) Harris of Compton, California and Ronald (Annette) Harris of Palmdale, California, a very special and dedicated ‘chosen’ son - Damien D. Harris (Canerika) of Houston, Texas, and her bonus daughter - Robin Jones (Dedric) of Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Her very close cousins - Marsha Buckley, Stephanie Thomas, Lottie Hamlin, Beverly “Susan” Williams, & Cherie Buckley. Special friends - Angela Middleton, Diane Avery, Deborah Newburn, Glindoria “Glin” Hill-Jones, & Koren Michelle Beard Young.

To continue to cherish her memory and celebrate her life, Patsy also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. She left a piece of HER in each of US, her legacy etched in our minds and hearts.

Submitted by the Harris Family

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home on Friday, October 7, 2022, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul AME Church. A celebration of her life will be shared at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at St. Paul AME with Rev. Llewellyn E. Terry, Sr., eulogist and Rev. TW Scott, officiating. Interment will be at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. The family will fellowship at the Arkadelphia High School following the interment.