Patricia Ann Harris

Patricia Ann Harris (née Harper), affectionately known as Patsy, passed away on August 24, 2024, at the age of 84, in her hometown of Lynchburg, Virginia. Born on August 23, 1940, also in Lynchburg, she was a pillar of strength and kindness in her family.

Patsy graduated from E.C. Glass High School and went on to have a life-long career with General Electric and Ericsson-GE, where she was respected by her colleagues for her dedication and work ethic. Beyond her professional life, Patsy was an attendee of Lynchburg Baptist Church, where she was born again in the spirit of Jesus Christ.

Known for her loving and caring nature, Patsy was a central figure in the lives of her family members. She is survived by her sister, Pearl Darlene Ferguson; children, Cheryl Ann Mountcastle (Gary), Terry Eugene Harris (Nancy Heavey), and Brandon Scott Harris (Jessica VanValkenburg); grandchildren, Hallie (Mountcastle) Moorman, Jacob Mountcastle, Megan Harris, Elizabeth (Harris) Itkoff, Allison Harris, Kara Harris, Tyler Harris, and Samantha Harris; and great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Graham, and Maeve. Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Ray Harper and Hallie Virginia Johnson; her brother, Lawrence Thomas Harper; and her husband, Billy Eugene Harris.

While Patsy was often quiet and reserved, she had a feisty spirit and a quick wit. She took great pride and satisfaction from gardening and had a green thumb. Her home was her sanctuary, a beautiful and inviting space that she passionately expressed her personality through with various decorations, where family gathered countless times for home-cooked food and fun together. Family pictures added to the decor filled the space with love and care, which reflected her spirit. Her grandchildren (who referred to her as “Nanny”) remember that she always greeted them with “Hi, Shugga!” and never questioned, but rather completely understood, their passed down need for a pickle or olive.

The family has entrusted Whitten Funeral Home, located at 7404 Timberlake Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24502, with the arrangements. Services to celebrate Patsy’s life will be held at the same address on Saturday, August 31st at 1:00 PM. The family would like to invite those who knew Patsy to join in commemorating her wonderful life and the love she shared with those around her.