Mrs. Barbara Ann Harris

Barbara “Babs” Harris passed away quietly at home, surrounded by her loved ones. Born in Manchester, New Hampshire, December 30, 1918, Barbara graduated at 15 and began working for the telephone company where she became a head operator. She moved with her family in 1940 from New England to California where she became the chief operator of Associated Telephone, Ltd. In 1943, during World War II, she was among the first females to join the Marines. After successfully completing boot camp, she went to Officer Candidate School and became a commissioned officer. She completed her tour of duty after the war ended and continued with the Reserves. She married C.B. Harris, Jr., a marine she met while stationed at Quantico, and he brought her home to Albany, where they raised their family. C.B. preceded her death in 1973. Barbara was the first woman hired at the post office here in Albany. After 18 years of service, she retired from the post office in Panama City Beach, Florida, at age 74. Looking for adventure, she crisscrossed the country from New Hampshire to California, then from Florida to the Canadian border and kept herself occupied doing a variety of jobs, playing in multiple bowling leagues, and volunteering. She lived in several cities during her retirement, and, one summer, she even ran a bed-and-breakfast on an island on Lake Erie. Through all of her adventure, Barbara’s greatest source of pride and joy was in being a mother to her four children, Michael Harris (Margaret) from San Clemente, CA, Jack Harris (Donna) from Niceville, FL, Kathleen Harris from Leesburg, GA, and Patrick Harris from Albany, GA; a grandmother to her 16 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren; and an aunt to her sister Peg’s three children and their children and grandchildren. She will be remembered for her love of family ,her caring ways, her utter zest for life, and her unfailing sense of humor. She was strong in faith and lived her life by a maxim her mother often shared: live every day to be a blessing to someone else. Her family takes joy in knowing their “Babs” continues to be surrounded by loved ones and is now free from the limits her earthly body placed on her in her final years. Visitation will be Saturday, April 18, at 10:00 at Lakeside Baptist Church in Albany, followed by a memorial service at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Albany Community Hospice, 320 Foundation Lane, Albany, GA 31707 as their wonderful love and care will never be forgotten by Barbara’s family!

Mrs. Barbara Ann Harris

December 30, 1918 - April 12, 2015