Jennifer HARRIS

1957 - 2023

HARRIS, Jennifer Baird born in Winona, MS, on September 2, 1957, passed away in her sleep on January 21, 2023, in Tampa, FL. Jennifer graduated from the University of Tennessee after attending Miss. St. University and Ole Miss. She was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. Jennifer had a distinguished political career in Washington, D.C. serving on the staff of Rep. Wayne Dowdy and Rep. G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery, her cousin. Jennifer was a lobbyist for the American Medical Assoc., worked on Bill Clinton's national campaign, and later served in the Clinton Admin. at the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture as a Congressional Liaison. Jennifer was a founder of "Taste of the South", an annual gala benefiting southern based charities. More recently, Jennifer was a creative artist and craftsman. Jennifer painted with bright colors and bold statements, just as she dressed and lived. She sewed funky skirts with wild patterns for herself and her family another way for her to add life to the party. She loved big family gatherings, Elvis, late night runs to the dollar store, and was always up for a dance party. Jennifer was an active member of Christ Fellowship Church in W. Palm Beach, FL. She is survived by her sister, Rosemary Harris Henderson of Tampa, brother George M. Harris, Jr. (Margaret) of Winona; and brother, Jack Montgomery Harris (Sara Ann) of Inverness, MS. Jennifer was the fun and favorite aunt to Carter Harris Henderson (Ashley), Thomas N. Henderson, IV (Cori), George M. Harris, III, Hartwell Virginia Harris, Emily Harris Soen (Philip), Jane Anna Harris Waide (Whit), and John Montgomery Harris. Jennifer was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Virginia Montgomery Harris of Memphis; and her father, George Meadows Harris Sr. of Winona. Jennifer's family is grateful for those who loved and supported her. We loved her deeply and will miss her dearly. Funeral services were held in Inverness, MS, on Saturday, January 28. Memorial contributions may be made to Mary Lee's House, 2806 N. Armenia Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33607, or to a charity of your choice.