Emily Anne Byrd Harris

Emily Anne Byrd Harris, 84, of Athens, Georgia, passed away on March 31, 2025, having been surrounded by loving family, friends, and the caring staffs of Arbor Terrace and Gentiva Hospice.

Emily was born October 5, 1940, in Kingstree, South Carolina, the daughter of Edward Dewey Byrd and Evelyn Yarborough Hughey Byrd. She played basketball at Kingstree High, where she was a top scorer in the state and was part of the county all-star team. She later attended the University of Georgia and graduated in 1962 with a BFA in Communication Arts. During her time at UGA, she met the love of her life, James Brantley Harris. They married on January 18, 1964, in her hometown of Kingstree. They were married for 36 years until his passing in October 2000.

Emily was a freelance artist early in her career, and she worked on ad campaigns and catalogs for regional and national businesses. In 1977, when UGA coach Vince Dooley presented visiting Prince Charles (now King Charles III) with a signed football to commemorate the occasion, it was Emily’s calligraphy gracing that royal keepsake. She was an art teacher at Barnett Shoals Elementary for over 20 years, and she won Teacher of the Year for the 1987-88 term. She loved bringing art to children and fostering their imaginations, encouraging them to “color outside the lines.” She was an avid woodworker, but she enjoyed all forms of artistic expression – especially stained glass, jewelry, and pottery.

Emily was also a coach for little league T-ball and baseball teams, as well as high school tennis. She played competitive league tennis for many years - often beating her adult children at the sport when challenged. She was the loudest voice of encouragement from the sidelines during her children’s - and grandchildren’s - sporting events, and she loved attending the basketball games of her favorite Lady Dawgs.

During her life, she was an active member of the Athens churches Milledge Avenue Baptist and First Baptist, and she was a visiting member of Nacoochee Methodist Church, where she will be laid to rest.

Emily is succeeded by her four children: Cindy (John) Brett, Brantley (Becky) Harris, Beth (Joe) Weismann, and Rob Harris; grandchildren: Jordan (Jared) Bailey, Jessica (Tanner) Southall, Victoria (Larson) Fontenot, Austin Harris, Jackson Harris, and Carson Harris; and great-grandchildren: Emily Fontenot, Braxton Bailey, and Torin Fontenot. Her thirty years as “Andma” brought her the greatest joy.

Visitation will be Friday, April 11, 5:00-7:00pm at Lord & Stephens Funeral Home East. Memorial services will be held immediately afterwards, with Matt Marston officiating. The family is requesting that attendees wear bright colors to celebrate her life and love of art. Burial services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia or support a local artist and bring more beauty and joy into the world.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com