Phyllis A. Cox Harris

Phyllis A. Cox Harris, age 87, of Kingsport, Tennessee, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Princeton Assisted Living after a period of declining health. Phyllis was born in Kingsport on July 28, 1937 to the late Haskel and Reva Chase Cox; She was one of seven siblings.

She was a 1955 graduate of Holston High School and went on to begin work at Eastman Chemical Company. Phyllis married the love of her life, the late William L. “Bill” Harris on May 8, 1959 in Kingsport. After marrying, the couple moved to Florida for a short period before returning to Kingsport to care for family. Upon her return, she began work at Fuller & Hillman, ITT, and retiring from Colonial Hill Retirement Home at the age of 80.

Phyllis was immensely proud of her family. She enjoyed cooking and caring for her loved ones and friends. Phyllis was known for her elegant style, and she took pride in her appearance.

Phyllis was a beloved member of Harmony Baptist Church where she was an active member of the choir, church clerk, taught Sunday school, and worked with the youth programs.

She was passionate about music and a sports fanatic, especially for the Lady Vols. She was active in participating in her grandchildren’s sports; she was their #1 fan and supporter.

In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, William L. “Bill” Harris; and siblings, Kenneth Cox, Bobby Cox, Morris Cox, Lois Jean Haney (CB), and Cletis Cox (Shelby).

Those left to cherish her memory include her brother, Jimmie Lee Cox and wife, Diane; son, Kenneth (Ken) Harris and wife, Karen; grandchildren, Justin S. Harris and wife Lindsey, and Brittany N. Goddard; great-grandchildren, Brayden and Kensley Goddard and Addalyn and Jase Harris; close friend of the family, Scott Simpson; sister in law, Wanda Cox; “sister” and friend, Wanda Banks, and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5pm – 7pm on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at Harmony Baptist Church, 1162 Harmony Road, Jonesborough, TN 37659. A memorial service will follow at 7pm with Pastor Steve Pate and the Honorary Dr. Michael Oaks officiating.

A graveside service will be held at 11am on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Harmony Cemetery with close friends and family. Those attending the graveside are asked to gather at the cemetery at 10:45am.

Honorary pallbearers will be Justin Harris, Billy Goddard, Scott Simpson, Brayden Goddard, Jase Harris, Oscar Harris, Tim Dean, Bobby Dean, Larry Cox, Travis Cox, Curtis Cox and Tony Cox.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial contributions to Kari’s Heart Foundation, PO Box 6165, Johnson City, TN 37604 and The American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.