Janice Harris

Janice Strickland Harris, 64, died peacefully on March 25, 2019 at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo surrounded by her loving family following a courageous battle against a lengthy illness. She was born August 5, 1954 to Joe E. and Cora White Strickland of Pheba.She graduated from West Point High School in 1972. She received a degree in Elementary Education from Mississippi State University as well as Masters degrees in both Elementary Education and Special Education. After receiving her degrees, she spent her career in Special Education, dedicating her life to improving the lives of children with special needs. She worked for the State Department of Education, Special Education director of Itawamba Schools, a teacher in the Tupelo Public Schools and Director of the McDougal Center where she retired after 25 years with a total of 30 years of service in education. She found great joy in her students and their parents and counted it a privilege to be able to touch so many lives. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Tupelo.Jan had a contagious zest for life that endeared her to people of all ages. She lived her life with a fierce sense of joy and service. Her confidence and congenial disposition were just part of her magnetic personality. She loved her family, treasured her friends and had a deep sense of compassion.
Survivors include her beloved husband of almost 34 years, Hugh Harris; son, Tanner Harris of Memphis, Tennessee; daughter, Addison Harris of Charleston, South Carolina; two sisters, Jodie Baker (Jim) and Grace Clark (Doug); brother, Eddie Strickland (Sandra); sister-in-law, Nancy Holloway (Doe); special aunt, Ruth Lee; mother-in-law, Jo Anne Harris; eight nieces and nephews, Katie Chandler (Kyle), Amy Strickland, Mollie Baker (Jacob Jernigan), Jeb Baker, Sally Adams (John), Chris Clark (Tara), Brooks Foley (Bryan) and Wes Holloway (Lauren); and 13 great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; father-in-law, Boyce Harris; and niece, Kelly Clark Putt.
Visitation will be 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at W.E. Pegues, Tupelo and 1 p.m. until service time Wednesday, March 27, 2019 in the Gathering Room at First United Methodist Church.
Services honoring her life will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Tupelo Memorial Park. W.E. Pegues is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to UAB Division of Gynecologic Oncology, ATTN: Warner K. Huh, MD (Division Director), 1700 6th Avenue South WIC Room 10250 Birmingham, AL 35233 for ovarian cancer research.
Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .