Janie Fair Harris

The Obituary

I heard the Voice of Jesus say, come unto me and rest.

Janie Rebecca Fair Harris was born November 11, 1934 in Abbeville, SC to the late Beaulo Fair and Janie Thomas Fair.  She was the third  of nine children.

She was educated in Abbeville County School System. Janie attended Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina and later attended Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, North Carolina where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education. Her post graduate studies were done at Western Carolina University, Cullowhee North Carolina.

A Time to Serve

After graduating from Johnson C. Smith University, Mrs. Harris served as Dormitory Director where she was a mentor for many young ladies. Upon completion of college, she was Director of Brooklyn Daycare, and impoverish program for children in inner city Charlotte. There she created an atmosphere of nurturing and family to students, the youth program workers and the employees. Her fortitude and tenacity to complete undergrad school as a wife and mother of three, Janie chose to teach Adult Education at Central Piedmont Community College. There she assured the underemployed adult students that nothing was too difficult to achieve. Having endured life’s setbacks and the oppression of Jim Crow laws, Mrs. Harris knew the importance of perseverance. She continued her commitment to educate by pursuing a teaching career with the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System for a tenure of 25 years. There Mrs. Harris felt a responsibility to reach each student by motivating them to learn. Her genuine love for teaching was an endeavor of creativity, love and continued learning. While teaching, Janie found it necessary to continue her own education at Western Carolina.

A Time to Worship

Janie Harris loved and served her lord faithfully.  She grew up as a member of Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church in Abbeville, South Carolina. In the mid 1950’s, she joined New Emmanuel United Church of Christ. Without hesitation, she served and devoted her time to her church as a faithful member of the Senior Choir, Missionary Board and Deacon Board. The pastor and members of the church experienced her passion and candor.

A Time to Love

Janie met and married the love of her life Norman “Pete” Harris.  They were joined in holy matrimony November 12, 1955.  From this union, three children were born.

She was devoted to her family and very active in their lives.  Janie served on the PTA as vice president and president, as well as spent endless hours volunteering at the schoo l.  Mrs. Harris was not big on saying the words “I Love you” but it was felt through her charity. Janie’s home, her hands and her wallet was always open to loved ones and strangers alike.  She always expressed love through giving, because she did not want to see anyone “go without”. She never expected anything in return but Love.

A Time to Mourn

Janie Fair Harris is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Norman E. Harris, Sr; two sons, Norman E. Harris, Jr. (Stephanie), Kevin D. Harris (Carmen) both of Charlotte, NC; one daughter, Tynetta M. Harris (James Tyson) of Monroe, NC; ten grandchildren, Tameka Burno, Carlos Harris, LaToya Harris, Kevin J. Harris, Anthony Lamar White, Elyse Harris, Nigel Harris, Janie Roseborough, Jaymen Flowers and Christopher Tyson; eight great grandchildren; two sisters, Thelma Fair of Abbeville, SC, Frances Zellars of Lincoln, GA; two sisters-in-law Wilma Fair of Atlanta, GA, Mary Lee Bost of Kannapolis, NC; three goddaughters, Ave Burno, Sabrina Fair, Kivonia Robinson; a host of nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Harris, Janie, “Bae”, Janie “ Becca ”, Momma you will be missed immensely, but go ahead spread your wings and take flight.