Heather Anne Harris

Heather Anne Harris passed away peacefully at Haven Hospice in Orange Park, FL on July 29, 2022. She joins her son, Jeremiah Shane Ridley, parents Holly J. Barrett and David L. Harris, and her brother, Steven Harris. Heather was born on January 12, 1953 in New Britain, CT.

Heather served in the United States Army as an Army Medic, based out of Ft. Dix, NJ. After serving in the military, Heather attended Emporia State University and earned her degree in Education. Upon graduation, she worked as a substitute teacher for middle school students in Parsons, KS and taught fifth grade Science and Math full-time in Crystal City, TX. While in Kansas, she also volunteered her time teaching disadvantaged adults how to read and helped them earn their GEDs. After many years teaching, Heather obtained her degree in Nursing from Labette Community College, and was a Registered Nurse for 27 years.

Throughout her life, Heather was involved in politics and human rights. She was passionate about creating equal opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and ensuring people utilized their right to vote. Heather provided a safehouse for battered women and children, and worked as a nurse at Easter Seals Camps for 2 summers in Empire, CO and in Chestertown, MD. A Veteran herself, she was a proponent of Disabled Veterans (DAV), and worked tirelessly to ensure Veterans were taken care of. Heather spent most of her life as a environmentalist advocating for conservation and animal welfare. As a Master Naturalist, Heather rescued various wildlife and domestic animals (including dogs, cats, horses, and donkeys). Upon her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, Heather became involved with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org). While she was coming to terms with her own diagnosis, Heather was actively supporting those who were recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Heather leaves behind a daughter and son-in-law; Jason and Laurena Mitchell, and three granddaughters; Halle, Grace, and Faith. She also leaves her siblings, Laurel, Jonathan, and Holly, a nephew, nieces, great-nephews, other family members, and many friends.

In an effort to find out what allowed her to live so long with pancreatic cancer, Heather donated her body to medical science. Upon completion of the study, her cremated remains will be buried with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, kindly plant a tree or consider a donation in Heather's name to the Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (www.jaxbeam.org), K9s for Warriors (www.K9sforwarriors.org), American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.aspca.org) or Sea Turtle Inc. (www.seaturtleinc.org).