Violet Harris

Violet Veronica Harris, also known as, "Sylvia," of Jersey City, New Jersey, passed away on November 9th, 2025. She died a few weeks prior to what would have been her 87th birthday.

Born on December 2, 1938 in Basseterre, St. Kitts to Cyril Thomas and Agatha Whyatt. Violet was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, niece, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, cousin, co-worker, and friend. She touched the lives of many with her profound sense of humor, straight forwardness, boldness, curiosity, creativity, loving and outgoing nature. Violet was a generous woman and possessed an uncanny ability to connect to just about anyone. She possessed a brilliant mind, disarming wit & an empathetic heart. She had a rare gift of building community wherever she found herself.

Violet attended and completed school up to 5th Standard (equivalent to grades 10th or 11th in the American School System) in St. Kitts. After some years, she moved to the island of St. Thomas, USVI, where she lived for eight years. She came to the United States of America in 1971(where she became a naturalized citizen, contributed to society in many different capacities, and truly loved this great nation). Violet furthered her education by enrolling in a nursing class, where she completed her certificate to become a Nurse's Aide. She was a Nurse's Aide for many years at Christ Hospital in Jersey City, New Jersey, before going back to school. Once enrolled in school, Violet made the decision to pursue typing and excelled at it. She completed the typing course, received her certificate of completion, and began searching for employment. Violet told everyone she knew what type of job she was looking for. And, sooner rather than later, a friend informed her that Jersey City Fire Headquarters was looking for a typist/receptionist. She qualified for the position but needed to take a typing exam. Violet passed the exam with flying colors; and began working at Jersey City Fire Headquarters in 1977. Violet worked at Fire Headquarters for 28 years until she retired in 2005.

One would think that she would slow down in retirement, but she did not for many years. She became involved with part-time work, volunteering in various capacities & talking about Jesus everywhere she went.

Violet's personal mission was to spread Jesus in any way she could. Whether it was talking to the man who delivered the Chinese food or giving devotionals, CDs or DVDs to everyone she came in contact with. No task was too big or too small in making sure she did her part in spreading the Gospel.

Violet was passionate about cooking. Boy, could she cook. Everything she cooked was absolutely delicious. She loved decorating, cleaning her home and keeping her home well maintained. And, last but not least, Violet was passionate about learning new things and keeping abreast of what was going on in the community and the world around her.

Violet is survived by her children: son, Denzil E. Whyatt (Kendra); daughter, Ingrid Merchant; son, James T. Whyatt (Kim); daughters, Ronell "Pat" Harris and Andrea "Pam" Harris; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and loved ones. All who will forever cherish her memory.

Violet was predeceased by father, Cyril Thomas; mother, Agatha Whyatt; husbands, Cedric Harris and Ernest Willett; son, Dugmoore Harris; brother, Ernest Wyatt; and grandnephew, Jacore Wyatt.