Jo Ann Harris

JoAnn Sanders Harris was born in Benton, MS on November 3, 1947.She was a teacher for 21 years at Southpark Elementary. She treated her students like her own kids. Teaching was her passion. She was a devout Christian and loved God and her family. She has been a member of Bovina Baptist Church and Calvary Baptist Church. She was married to Edwin Harris for 49 years. They had 4 children, Tammy Harris, Amy Sessions, Susan Harris and Randy Harris. She endured many hardships that would shake the faith of most, losing three children and her husband, but her faith in the Lord never wavered. She held so strong to her faith that for those close to her, she was a true embodiment of a faithful servant. She was the calm in the storm for many people. She always had wise words and a kind heart. She had a way of making every room brighter, just by walking in it. Whether through her warm smile, her endless patience, and the way she loved and cared for everyone around her. She was the kind of person who remembered the small details, who checked in on you when you didn’t even know you needed it, and who made sure no one ever felt alone. Her family and friends will remember her for not only what she did, but for how she made them feel…safe, seen and deeply loved. She had a gift for creating space for others, for offering comfort, and care without expecting anything in return. JoAnn loved her grandchildren, Daniel and Emily, with all her heart. She was the best Nano ever.

She was also survived by her very special great nephew, Jimmy Breland, son of Tiffany Breland, who she loved very much. In her final moments, she was surrounded by the care and devotion of her niece Kirstie White, who was by her side through it all. Their bond was a true testament to the love that she gave so freely throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Sanders and Ruby Hall Sanders. She was also preceded in death by her 8 siblings, Mary Nell Bass, Patsy Whatley, Jack Sanders, Donnie Sanders, Nancy Nettles, Emmett Sanders, Debbie Breland, and Billy Sanders. She was survived by Betty Jean Rodrigue of Slidell, LA. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Edwin Harris, daughters Tammy Harris, Susan Harris and her son Randy Harris.

She is survived by her daughter, Amy Harris Sessions (Charles), and her 2 grandchildren Daniel and Emily Sessions.

The funeral will be held at Bovina Baptist Church on Wednesday, August 27th, 2025. Visitation will be held from 10-12 and the funeral will be held at 12:00.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jo Ann Harris, please visit our floral store.