Perla Yvonne (Castrejon) Harris

Perla was born on April 24, 1985, in El Paso, Texas, to Rafael and Patricia (Herrera) Castrejon. She spent her youth living and studying in Juarez & El-Paso and has deep roots in both communities. Perla graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Texas at El Paso and began a 15 year career with Lockheed Martin that took her to Owego, New York, Forth Worth, Texas, and finally a decade in Orlando, Florida. Like everything she pursued in life, she approached her career with dedication, competence and joy - earning her various awards and recognitions. In Orlando she earned a Master’s degree from the University of Central Florida and in late 2015 met the love of her life Bobby, whom she married in 2020.

Perla was a fiercely passionate fan of her Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and Mexico’s Men’s National Soccer Team. She loved to dance and enjoyed singing in the car; she never tired of trying to convince her husband to join in. She traveled throughout North America, Europe, and French Polynesia. The X-files, The Vampire Diaries, and Sailor Moon were some of her favorite TV shows. Her favorite movie was How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and she was adamant that the songs from The Lion King were better in the Spanish adaptation. Her favorite book was The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. She had extensive musical tastes that centered mainly on Country, Mexican, and Pop genres. She played soccer quite well. She grew roses next to her house, and her favorite color was pink. She had so many more interests and passions than these, as she often joked that she was “divergent.” Regardless of how she spent her time, Perla’s main interest was to create “core memories” with those she loved. Spending time with family and friends meant a lot to Perla - especially her two nieces Leilani and Priscilla.

Our hearts are forever broken by the loss of Perla. She was dearly loved by her friends and family and will be greatly missed by many. Perla was the rare individual who lived in the moment and was almost always genuinely happy. She stood up for herself when required but also never harbored resentment nor dwelled in negativity. She woke up every morning with a smile and a sense of optimism. She was an example of how to live. Perla loved life and she loved those in her life. As Perla would say, “Happiness is a state of mind, not a set of circumstances. I can and will choose to be happy today.”

She leaves behind her loving husband George Robert Harris III (Bobby) of 2 1/2 years and her 19 month old son George Robert Harris IV (Bobby Jr) who were both the center of her world. While fighting for her life months ago in the hospital a nurse reminded Perla of all the time she could soon be spending at home with her son, to which Perla replied, “And with my husband!” That was Perla, she never forgot for a moment whom she loved.

She is also survived her parents, Rafael and Patricia Castrejon; her sister Berenice and brother-in-law Salvador Rivera, nieces Leilani and Priscilla Rivera; brother Rafael Jr. Castrejon; grandmother Esperanza Castrejon, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Also left to mourn are her father & mother-in-law, Bob & Bonny Harris; sister & brother-in-law Belinda & Sean Prado.

We would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Orlando Health who provided an enormous amount of care for Perla. We got to know many of them personally in her 9 month on & off stay at the hospital. Efforts led by Dr. Yasser Khaled gave her 3 months home with her son. We’d also like to thank her friends and neighbors for their generous support during this difficult time. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

A visitation will be held Thursday, July 13, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Baldwin Fairchild Oviedo Chapel, 501 E Mitchell Hammock Rd, Oviedo, FL 32765.

A funeral mass will be held Friday July 14, 2023 from 2:00PM to 3:00 PM at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 113 Lockwood Blvd, Oviedo, FL 32765.

A committal service will follow on Friday, July 14, 2023 from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM at The Oviedo Cemetery on 118 Aulin Avenue, Oviedo, FL 32765.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Oviedo Cemetery (https://fcoviedo.com/give. For Online Giving in Optional Memo enter "Perla Harris - Cemetery").