Patricia B. Harris

Patricia Brook Harris, “Nana”, passed away on April 2, 2024. Born May 11, 1938, she was 85 years old at the time of her death. Nana is survived and missed by her children, Robyn (Clay), Randy (Sandra), and Rebecca (Kent); her granddaughter (aka her third daughter) Julie; grandson Justin (Meghan); and granddaughters Allison and Katy. “Nana” was also blessed with and survived by seven great- grandchildren, Gabriel, Samson, Rebecca (“Rue”), Kether, Charles, Silas, and Steyr. Born into a large family with ten siblings, Nana had far too many nieces, nephews, and “greats” to name, but she loved and was loved by all. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, James Henry Harris, and her grandson, Christopher. Born in Itawamba, Mississippi, Patricia moved to Alabama with her parents and siblings as a young girl. She made her home here, marrying Jim in 1957. While she raised their three children, she was the church secretary at Morgan Methodist Church and worked part-time at Long-Lewis Ford in Bessemer. In 1971, she went to work at Bickerstaff Clay Products (Boral Bricks) as the office secretary and remained there until she retired in 2004. She was an avid reader, a talented gardener, a loving mother (and grandmother), and had a very quick wit. In 2007, Patricia suffered a traumatic brain injury during a routine procedure to repair a brain aneurysm. Following this “train wreck” (as she called it) and 128 days in the hospital, she defied all odds and every medical prognosis for her condition: “she’ll never walk again”, “she’ll never read again”, “she’ll likely never get out of that bed”, “she’ll never be the person that she once was”. Doctors and nurses deemed her the “miracle lady” as they witnessed her fight her way back to reclaim her life and do all of the things they said she never would. It is this strength and courage that was and forever will be an inspiration to her children and grandchildren. Patricia was a Christian of great faith and knew where she was going at the end of her time on Earth. Though she will be greatly missed, it is certain that she has been reunited with Jimmy (and is likely making him a PB&J since he probably hasn’t eaten in over a year while he waited for her to get home). There are no words to express the family’s deep gratitude for the caregivers who were with her not only during her final days but also during the longest year that she spent without Jimmy. Though she was unable to express it in words, her smile would light up the room when she saw her “bestie,” Margo, and other caregivers, Bessie, Cynthia, Josephine, and Val. The family will honor Patricia’s memory in a private ceremony to scatter the ashes of both Jim and Patricia together. In remembrance of “Nana” and her love for helping children in need, the family is requesting donations to Garrett’s Place.

Patricia B. Harris

May 11, 1938 - April 2, 2024