Gloria Jean Harris

Gloria Jean Harris passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, May 10, 2024, after a brief illness. Gloria was a loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend.

She was born in Abingdon, Va., third child of the late Jason Carson (J.C.) Harris, Jr. and Kathryn Puckett Harris. Gloria was a member of the 1961 graduating class of Abingdon High School, and she then attended Appalachian State University where she earned her degree in education. She taught physical education at Randolph Middle School in Mecklenburg County, N.C. for many years, and she also coached cheerleading. Gloria enjoyed her work as a volleyball referee for high schools and adult recreation leagues. She was a huge fan of North Carolina basketball and looked forward every year to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

Throughout her adult life, Gloria traveled extensively, visiting various vacation spots in the United States and Europe. She also attended the Masters in Augusta, Ga. several times.

After retirement, Gloria lived part-time in both Charlotte and Abingdon, two places special to her and where she maintained a great group of friends. She enjoyed playing cards, eating out weekly and traveling to Litchfield Beach a couple of times a year with her friends. 

Gloria was a devoted daughter to her parents, helping care for them in their home as they aged. She was a faithful sister and fun-loving aunt who showed great interest in knowing everything about the lives of the younger generation of nieces and nephews. Gloria also loved keeping up with the Puckett and Harris sides of her family, staying in close contact with various relatives in Virginia and North Carolina. She was devoted to her friendships, talking daily with lifelong friends and keeping in touch with friends and colleagues who lived in Charlotte and throughout the country.

Gloria introduced her younger family members to great music, particularly Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, and she also enjoyed watching movies and the Andy Griffith Show regularly.

Her beloved Yorkie, Barney Fife, brought her great joy during his long life, and she treasured her time with him.

In addition to her parents, Gloria was preceded in death by her niece, Paige Fletcher. Survivors include her sisters, Vicki Fletcher and Barbara Farris (David); her brother Jason C. Harris III (Judy); nieces and nephews Kim Farris-Luke (Bob), David Farris II (Sonya), Kelly Farris (Denise), Brooke Bunn (Jim), Jason C. Harris IV (Ashley), and Jennifer Rector (Jason); great-nieces and nephews Lindsey Farris-Felty (Andrew), Alexandra Teague (Micah), Farris Blackson (Jordan), Emily Farris Maldonado (Bradley), Faith Luke, MacKenzie Coleman (Ben), Haley Magstadt (Nathan), Jack Bunn, Mark Farris (Erin), Adriana Henson (Matthew), Caleb Farris, Catherine Bunn, Claire Bunn, Carson Harris, Andrew Rector, Walt Harris, and Vivienne Rector; six great-nieces and nephews, and many cousins.

The family will have a private graveside service at Forest Hills Memory Gardens with the Rev. Paul Seay officiating. There will be a memorial celebration of Gloria’s life at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, Va. Following the brief service, a gathering for family and friends will take place in the Reception Center at the Forest Hills location. Gloria loved socializing, so please come ready to eat and share stories.

Our family would like to thank the doctors and medical team in the CCU at Johnston Memorial Hospital for the excellent, compassionate care they provided to Gloria. 

In lieu of flowers, Gloria would want you to take a tax deduction on her by contributing in her memory to a charity of your choice.

Gloria Harris and her family are in the care of Farris Funeral and Cremation Center, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).