HARMON, Bette J., 57, of Mechanicsville, Va., passed from this life on August 4, 2008. She was the daughter of Charles Bennett Harmon and Marian Lowry Harmon. She was born on December 20, 1950 in Richmond and grew up in Henrico County. Ms. Harmon was a graduate of Mary Washington College and earned a Master's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. She taught English at Lee-Davis High School for many years and later, was a librarian at Atlee High School from which she retired. Ms. Harmon was an avid traveler and book reader. She was a lifelong member of Fairmount Memorial Baptist Church. She is survived by her parents, Charles B. and Marian L. Harmon of Richmond; two brothers, W. Barry Harmon and his wife, Linda, of Richmond and C. Rady Harmon of Mechanicsville; one sister, Janet H. Dunnevant of Mechanicsville; seven nieces and one nephew, two great-nieces and three great-nephews; and a special friend, Paul Sciantarelli. Her remains rest at Bennett Funeral Home, Mechanicsville Chapel, 8014 Lee-Davis Rd., where the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Fairmount Memorial Baptist Church, 4205 Ravenswood Rd., Richmond, Va. Interment will follow at Washington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Dear Harmon Family: I just today received the sad news of Bette's passing and wanted to express how sorry I am for your loss. We grew up together (I lived on Austin Ave.). Unfortunately, I had not seen Bette since high school. I remember she always had a smile for you. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Betty Martin (Major)
August 14, 2008 | Mechanicsville, VA
Janet, Barry, Rady and Friends of Bette: Betty and I grew up together and I have so many fond memories of her. Betty helped me with religion and was there for me when I joined the church and there when I was baptized. She was in my wedding. She was a big part of my life and will always be remembered. My prayers are with you all.
Linda (Courtney) Anderson
August 12, 2008 | Quinton, VA
I would like to send my deepest sympathies to Ms. Harmons' family. She was my 11th grade English teacher, Class of 1979, she made going to class fun. I'll never forget the movie "A Streetcar Named Desire", watching it in the auditorium.
Sherri Korman
August 11, 2008 | Mentor, OH
My deepest sympathies to the Harmon family. I was so saddened to hear of Bettes' passing.
Her great smile and genuine friendliness will always be remembered.
Nancy (Money) Williams
August 11, 2008 | Richmond, VA
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY DURING THIS TIME OF SADNESS. GOD WILL BE WITH YOU TO SUPPORT YOU.
KAREN & KENNY ROACH
August 11, 2008 | BEAVERDAM
I have many warm, happy and very funny memories of Bette from shared high school years. I'd recently moved from NY and feeling out of place. Bette not only took me along to events to meet new friends, she took me into her home. One particularly hilarious overnight event included my first introduction to a bootlegger (via Janet).
Coming from NY, this culture shock
was a real eye opener. We laughed until we cried all night. Even though we didn't stay in touch, I shall always remember...
Nancy Fraker (Chimento)
August 09, 2008 | Richmond, VA
Janet - Bette introduced us in Chick-fil-A. She worked with me in Rutland on building a new home. I was shocked and saddened to read of her passing. During the time I knew her she spoke so highly of her family, especially how much she loved them and they loved her. I am praying for your family during this difficult time. I know she is with her savior, Jesus Christ.
Jeri Clark
August 08, 2008 | Mechanicsville, VA
Bette took my Aerobics Class for 20 years. She stood in the same spot every Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday. This has been a very difficult week to not see her in class standing in her spot. I will miss Bette very much every week! She was a wonderful fun friend and member @ Victory Lady Fitness Centers, Westend!
Wendy Campbell
August 08, 2008 | Richmond, VA
Dearest Janet and Harmon Family, Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss and ours at Atlee High School. All of us who knew and loved Bette will miss her greatly. I pray that God will give you the strength to endure this tragedy. Please know that your friends keep you in their thoughts and prayers. Love, Bonnie
Bonnie McLaughlin
August 08, 2008 | Mechanicsville, VA
