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Janet Harris Obituary
The disease may have conquered the flesh, but could not dampen her joyful spirit or alter her faith in God's best and perfect will for her life.
Janet was an example of a Proverbs 31 virtuous woman (except she didn't sew, leaving the making of clothes for her family to Talbot's, Dillards, Kohls, Jos A Bank and several consignment shops). She accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age and lived her life in a close walk with her Lord. She was blest with the spiritual gifts of hospitality, encouragement and giving.
She led a full life and yet, on many occasions she commented how much more enriching her life had become once she became sick. The friendships that developed over the past fifteen years of her illness have been precious and deeply cherished.
Janet was a faithful member of Springdale Community Church and active in several organizations including: Oldham County Republican Woman's Club, Oldham County Historical Society, Yew Dell Gardens, Pewee Valley Woman's Club, and the Popular Grove Homemakers.
She was a native of Blair, South Carolina, and graduated from Winthrop University and Columbia Bible College.
She was preceded in death by her father D.P. Coleman, Jr. and brother, David Roe Coleman.
Janet is survived by her husband of 33 years, State Senator Ernie Harris; her children, Jonathan (Elizabeth) Harris, David (Jennifer) Harris and Anne Harris; her mother, Sophie Coleman; sister, Mary (Randy) Barnes; sister-in-law, Lou Ann Coleman; brother-in-law and sister-in law, David and Marsha Harris and four grandchildren.
The family thanks Doctors Don Miller and Jason Chesney, the staff of the Brown Cancer Center, and Hosparus of Louisville for their loving and professional care.
Visitation will be Thursday, Aug. 5 from 2-8 p.m. at Springdale Community Church, 4601 Springdale Road, Louisville, KY 40241. The celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 6 at the church. Stoess Funeral Home, Crestwood, is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial gifts to the Springdale Community Church for distribution to Janet's favorite charities.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Janet Harris
Bennye Rapp
August 22, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your wife and mother recently. I remember her from the days when our children were attending DeHaven Christian Academy. She always greeted one with a smile and I will remember her always with that smile on her face. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Charlie & Julie Cohoon
August 17, 2010
Dearest Ernie & Family: Our hearts are deeply saddened by the loss you and family are experiencing. We so enjoyed our time with you and Janet last year and will greatly miss her. You are in our prayers.
August 12, 2010
Janet was an inspiration for many patients and staff. We will miss her smiling face and and loving spirit! We will not forget her strength and passion for life. With love, Brown Cancer Center 3rd Floor Staff
August 11, 2010
Ernie and Family,
I am so sorry, I just heard about Janet's passing this afternoon and I am deeply sorry. May God's light shine upon Janet and God's blessing on your family.
John Glascock
Sam and Alice Severance
August 11, 2010
Ernie, I just heard of Janet's passing. I'm so sorry I didn't hear sooner. You and your family have our deepest sympathies....you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sam and Alice Severance
Beth Olson
August 7, 2010
Janet was without a doubt one of the best friends I have ever had. We laughed together, cried together, prayed together and we thought we solved many problems in the world. At least in our minds. When I needed some one to pray for me I knew I could always count on Janet to be on her knees for me. She is the most Godly woman I have ever known. This reflects in her childrens lives as well. To have a Dad as Godly as Ernie and a Mom like Janet the kids are blessed beyond measure. I will miss Janet but I feel so at peace knowing she is heaven with Jesus smiling and rejoicing with all those angels. Finally, she will get to meet my wonderful Mom. I love her and all the Harris family and will have all of them in my continued prayers.
August 6, 2010
My deepest sympathy to you all. Janet was truly one of the sweetest ladies I ever met.
Carla Gray, Louisville, Kentucky
Linda Gaines
August 5, 2010
I am glad I got to say goodbye
Time has stopped for Janet and I
We spoke daily at the Post Office
and what a Godly woman who loved unconditionally.
We should all look within
Are we that kind of friend?
I know Janet is with the Good lord and
she is happy and free.
Sorry for this family's loss.
Donnie and Linda Gaines
Dan Wells
August 5, 2010
Ernie, You are in my prayers. My heart is with you and your family. God Bless.
Kimberly May
August 5, 2010
We will greatly miss you Janet! Your spirit lives on in all your good works and your great love for helping others! Thank you for being my friend and teaching me so much about love, grace and friendship.Many prayers to the family.
Kimberly May
August 5, 2010
We will greatly miss you Janet! Your spirit lives on in all your good works and your great love for helping others! Thank you for being my friend and teaching me so much about love, grace and friendship. Many prayers to the family.
Ashleigh Cromer
August 4, 2010
I love you all. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to receive a 'Janet Hug' and look into her beautiful eyes... before returning to California. Those few moments I will remember for my entire life. The Love, God's Love that Janet Harris always showed me was not weakened by this disease. Her love in those moments was incredibly powerful...so powerful that I couldn't hold back the overflow of emotion that her Love pulled from me. She inspired me as a young girl and made me feel like a child again with the strength of her ability to comfort me when I should be comforting her. Janet Harris was a warrior that battled with Love, generosity, kindness to a stranger, and always a home cooked meal. When I find myself questioning my own faith I clearly see her and our goodbye I was so graciously given. I know I have seen God, his glory and his love through her. She continues to witness to the lost, like myself. With her memory...Janet Harris is the definition of Grace. The Lord has brought one of his most powerful soldiers home where she belongs... I'm sure greeted with the songs of angels and the arms of our Lord. I love you Harris Family.
Kim Armstrong
August 4, 2010
You will be missed Ms Janet, I have had the pleasure of knowing you and your kind spirit for awhile now. I work @ ul hospital,,,we all will miss you and thank you for so many nice flowers you would bring us. May God Bless your family and keep them strong
August 4, 2010
Senator Harris and Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Caldwell, Lexington, KY
Dale & Stephanie Ballard
August 4, 2010
Ernie & Family-
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. She will be missed by the Brownsboro Community Center members.
With Love,
SANDRA WHETSTONE
August 4, 2010
PEACE BE WITH ALL IN FAMILY. I AM A 22 YRBREAST CANCER SURVIVOR AND PRAISE THE LORD FIRTS THEN DR . ALMAN SWEATMAN AS MY DR AND A VERY CHRISTIAN MAN WHO STOOD AT MY BEDSIDE BEFORE SURERY 22 YRS AGO SEEKING THE LORD'S GUIDANCE AND BLESSINGS. SINCERELY SANRA WHETSTONE
August 4, 2010
I am very sorry for your loss and extend our deepest sympathies. Ernie, we will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Bob Jackson, Murray, KY
Missy
August 4, 2010
Mrs. Harris was an amazing woman with the softest heart. She was always so warm and kind. As children, she would always make us tang and let us get dirty in the pond & woods. She was fun and strict- and we love her for it. Her hugs and sweet spirit will be misses.
Mrs. Harris-enjoy your eternal life with the Lord.
August 3, 2010
I extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Rosemary Nobles
August 3, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss. Janet was so good to everyone she met including us and left a lasting impression. You are all in our prayers.
The Withers Family, Lexington, KY
Rae Hatherton
August 3, 2010
Dearest Harris Family,
My deepest heartfelt sympathies.A consolation is that she lived like an angel and died softly and beautifully. God will be happy to have her by his side!
Love much
rae of sunshine
Tia Graves Rutter
August 3, 2010
She was a true virtuous woman and a Southern Belle. She was an amazing woman, wife and mother. I was proud to have known her personally.
Kevin, Dana & Erika Isbell
August 3, 2010
We are so sorry that you all are experiencing such a great loss.
August 3, 2010
She changed countless lives with her love, joy, wisdom, perseverance and faith. Miss her already. Praying for you. The England's (Louisville, kY)
August 3, 2010
Ernie and family, Janet was truly a kind and considerate person. We were so thankful to have known her during our youth and have been able to share some of the joys of life with your family. Janet's strength and trust in God will truly remain in our memories for many years to come. We will miss her greatly, but are so glad to know that she is at peace and happy in the hands of God.
Love, Charles, Alice and Family
Blair, SC
Brian Meade
August 3, 2010
Sen. Harris,
I am very soory to hear about the passing of your wife. Though I have never met her it appears that she was a very special person. You are in my thoughts and prayers. may GOD bless you and your family in these times.
Dave Armstrong
August 3, 2010
My deepest sympathy on Janet's passing.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Wesley and Brenda Schissler
August 3, 2010
Ernie and the children of Janet:
Your wife and mother was a wonderful and lovely lady. We are thinking about you and wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Steve & Cindy Powell
August 3, 2010
Ernie & Family;
We were so sorry to hear of Janets passing. She was truely a gracious lady who always had a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone who knew her.
May God give you and your family peace during the difficult days ahead.
Scott and Kathi Gower
August 3, 2010
What a beautiful portrait of a beautiful, gracious woman. Ernie please know that you and all of your family are in our prayers. You are a living testimony of faithfulness and of God's grace, peace and mercy. We love you.
Wayne, Paula & Samantha Bartlett
August 3, 2010
We will miss seeing Janet's smile around church. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ernie and the family. God Bless you!
August 3, 2010
Ernie, you and your family are in our prayers. We pray you feel God's loving arms around you during this time. Janet was a loving person and is now with our Lord.
Love, Carol Ann and Jim
Lebanon, Ohio
Kelley Teater
August 3, 2010
Many of us have our own memories of Janet and the family, but she was more than just a neighbor or family friend. Janet was more like an aunt to me, I thank her so much for everything that she has done for me personally and my family as a whole. Janet you are truely a blessing and sitting on God's lap, God sure did get a wonderful women to be on his team. I love you!
Claudia & Bill Viar
August 3, 2010
Janet's sweet smile and friendship will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know her. Our prayers are with Ernie, her mother and children as they go through this time.
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