The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, March 18th at Bellmead Funeral Home .Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 19th at Waco Memorial Park with Reverand James Stevens officiating with special words from Reverand Jason Harris.
Patty was born on April 10, 1928 in Palestine, Texas, the daughter of Ethel and J. A. Mann. She graduated from Palestine High School. During her teen years, she could be heard singing gospel music on a local radio station every Sunday. She married her sweetheart John L. Harris on April 20, 1946. They raised their children near various military bases in South Dakota, Texas, Florida, and in Japan and Okinawa he served in the Air Force, finally settling in Bellmead and Mt Calm upon retirement. Patty was a faithful Christian who fulfilled her duties to God by ensuring that her children knew the truth in life. She enjoyed playing bingo, sewing, and was an expert in many crafts. The many unique dolls she designed and built were sought by those who marveled at the remarkable craftsmanship.She was beautiful in every way, humble, thoughtful, articulate, skilled, and intelligent. But, no one would mistake her quiet and gentle spirit for weakness. She was a mighty warrior for her Savior, her husband, her children, their children, and for the neighborhood kids she cherished. Her high expectations were well known and if one struggled to reach those expectations, she would become the go-to counselor, gently placing the struggler back on the right path. She was admired by all who knew her.
Patty is preceded in heaven by her husband, her parents, a daughter Cynthia Ann, brother Billy, and her dear sister, Ellen Pollard. They are rejoicing in this wonderful reunion at the heavenly gates.
She was so proud of each of her surviving children and their spouses, John Harris, Jr. and Kathy of Ft. Worth, Martha and Kenny Willis of Axtell, Steve and Melva Harris of Gholson, Mike and Gwen Harris of Axtell, Phil Harris of Axtell, and Kelly and Nhoie Harris of Gholson. She cherished each of her grandchildren, Jason and Michelle Harris of Destrehan LA, Patty and Kevin Hollingsworth of Lorena, Kenneth Willis, Jr of Axtell, Britany and Dan Michalek of Axtell, Cecil Willis of Axtell, Jonathan Willis of China Spring, Ryan and Joanne Harris of Macungie PA, Leslie and Adam Huntsman of Robinson, Joey and Miranda Harris of Leroy, Jamey Harris of Axtell and fiancée Shelly Hogan, Justin Harris and Katt Cooke of Arlington, Holly and Taz Burleson of College Station, William Harris of Chicago IL, Hannah Harris of Stephenville, and Arwhil and Mayela St. Thomas of Bellmead. Patty adored each of her great grandchildren, Emma, Jackson, Evelyn, Rebecca, Blake, Brooke, Cole, Cooper, Corey, Bethany, Luke W,,Ava, Luke H, Paige, Townes, Baines, Ellie, and Aurora. Her brother Jack Mann of Houston steadfastly remained a source for inspiration and encouragement.
Pallbearers will be grandsons, Jason Harris, Kenny Willis, Jr, Cecil Willis, Jonathan Willis, Ryan Harris, Joey Harris, Jamey Harris, Justin Harris, Arwhil St. Thomas and William Harris.