Barbara Ann Harris

Barbara Ann Harris, 79, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 7, 2023. She was born on December 9, 1943 in Fredericksburg, VA to the late Margaret L. Harrison. Barbara was the oldest of Margaret’s three children. At a young age, Barbara’s family moved to Philadelphia, PA where she attended Philadelphia Public Schools. Barbara’s Aunt Louise Woodfolk was instrumental in Barbara attending camp every summer. Barbara really enjoyed attending camp and was always grateful to Aunt Louise for her generosity. It was during her attendance at camp that a young, shy Barbara blossomed and developed her love for others. At an early age, Barbara accepted Christ and was baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Philadelphia. As a young woman, Barbara’s greatest joy was the birth of her two daughters, Jacquelyn (Jackie) and Crystal. In 1963, Barbara began working at the University of Pennsylvania Dining Service. She received many certificates of appreciation during her employment at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2004, she retired from the University of Pennsylvania Dining Service after 41 years of dedicated service. It was her warm smile and kind demeanor that employees said they would miss upon her retirement. On July 14, 1985, Barbara married the love of her life, Joseph E. Harris, who she affectionately called “Daddy”. Upon her husband’s retirement, they both enjoyed watching Westerns, reruns of shows of the 70’s and if you knew Barbara, you knew that you should not call her between 12:30 pm and 2 pm, because she was glued to the TV to watch “The Young and the Restless” as well as “The Bold and the Beautiful”. She was an avid Bid Whist player and enjoyed card tournaments with her sisters- and brothers-in-law, family and friends. Barbara was an excellent cook and enjoyed cooking for her husband and sharing her meals with others. She was very creative and took great pride in decorating her home. She was known for her good wit and memory - in that she always remembered everyone’s birthday and loved to send greeting cards, whether for birthday, sympathy, anniversary, illness or on other occasions. Barbara liked to laugh and make others laugh. She was a glass half-full person rather than a glass half-empty. One thing that we all can agree on is that whenever Barbara talked to you, she never hesitated to tell you or say, “I love you”. There are many who will miss her presence, her warm smile, and her infectious laugh. Barbara was preceded in death by her mother; daughters, Jackie and Crystal; grandson, Samuel (aka Pookie); great grandson, Noziera; cousins, Florence, Susie and Josephine. Cherishing Barbara’s memories are: her devoted husband, Joseph; grandchildren Darya, Jeremiah (Natina), Christerel, Malquenette (aka Nettie); 25 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren; sister Willa (Willie); aunt Patricia (Bobby); two brothers-in law, Matthew (Beverly) Harris, and Rev. Nathaniel (Audrey) Perdue, III; three sisters-in-law, Corinne Moody, Carol (Marc) Burton, and Sonya Bolton; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Barbara Ann Harris

December 9, 1943 - December 7, 2023