of Harrison, AR
October 10, 1931 - September 16, 2013
Barbara Rose Harness went to join her family on September 16, 2013. Mrs. Harness was born on October 10, 1931, at Summit, Arkansas, the daughter of Elzie and Vina (Vancil) Downum.
Services were Friday, September 20, 2013, at CrossRoads Community Church with Rev. Johnny Walters and Rev. Jimmy Dale Huskey speaking.
Burial was in Maplewood Cemetery following the services.
Visitation was Thursday, September 19, 2013, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were be Rick Harness, Danny Harness, Grant Harness, Giles Harness, Kim Mathis, Jared James and Chris Yount. Honorary pallbearers will be nephew and nieces.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Daniel Troy Harness and her son, Brian Mitchell Harness.
She is survived by her son, Craig Harness and his wife Norma Jean; a daughter Danielle James and her husband Ralph; daughter-in-law Laura Harness; grandchildren, Brittany James Yount and husband Chris, Jared James and wife Jamie, Lindsey Harness, Grant Harness and wife Melanie, Giles Harness and Breezy Harness; great grandchildren, Zayd Yount and Jace James; and a good friend and caretaker, Rita Clark; and a host of other family and friends.
Barbara worked at Montgomery Wards during high school till she graduated in 1949 as an honor graduate from Harrison High School. She married Troy Harness on June 2, 1950, after he saw her picture in the newspaper and learning of her intelligence, he said, ''that woman can make me a living!'' Barbara worked along with her husband in establishing Harness Mattress Manufacturing serving as seamstress for many years and bookkeeper. She continued to work till mid-August last month. The business worked out of many locations in the Harrison community till moving in the present building along the 62-65 Bypass. Danielle remembers being a child and Barbara would take her to work and fix a mattress and place her to nap in the front window while she helped Troy.
The children remember their mother as independent and having a lot of dignity in her character, as being curious and having a good sense of humor. Barbara loved the singing conventions as much as Troy and played the piano for singing groups that surrounded their interest. Troy loved the singing, but Barbara would play the piano at her home and work out the arrangements for the group when they would want to try a new song.
Barbara loved to read and was a strong woman with her determination to help her husband and raise her children. She will be remembered as the matriarch of the family. Troy loved being the head of the family, but he never forgot who the neck was.
Barbara was productive and worked this past year through the death of her husband in August 2012 and her son, Brian in December 2012. Even though she had been challenged the past couple of years after her stroke, her children will always remember her saying, ''you take what you get and make the best of it''. She will be remembered as always loving her children, the grandchildren and the great grandchildren. She was certainly a close resemblance of the lady in Proverbs 31: 10-31.
Donations may be made to Hospice of the Hills House, P.O. Box 1927, Harrison, AR 72602-1927. Online guestbook:www.rollerfuneralhomes.com
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12 Condolence(s)
Kirk & Jo Gulbranson
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Dear Ones,
Our love and prayers are with you. Your mom and dad were very special to me (Jo). I wish we could all be up beat as they were.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Jo Gulbranson
Rachel and Matt Sprenger
Friday, September 20, 2013
Please accept our most heartfelt condolences to Harness family.
Ethna Billings
Friday, September 20, 2013
So sorry to hear about this passing. It is very hard to lose a beloved relative.
I am a descendent of Martin JoSorrell VanBuren Harness, and loving meeting you at h Harness Reunion a few years ago.
God Bless you.
Faye Whitaker
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Scott and I send our deepest sympathies to the Harness family. Barbara was the epitome of a true lady. She was gracious in the face of adversity and considerate of others even when she was in the midst of her own trials. She will be missed by many.
Sue (Pannell) Mackey
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Our thoughts & prayers are with the family during this time of loss. Barbara was a very loving lady. We always enjoyed Barbara & Troy singing & visiting with them at the singing's in Boone & Marion Counties. May God comfort as only He can do. And Cherish the sweet memories.
Jo Harness Hefley
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Mr Aunt Barbara was one of the "
True Ladies" of my time.She was one you felt close to and totally trusted. I always told My Uncle Troy "How did you ever get her to marry you" he would say he knew she could make him a good living. When you saw Troy you would see Barbara, they were always together and close to each other. I marveled at her strength through the last year of loss with Troy and Brian. My life has been greatly enriched by having known her. She will be greatly missed. My love and prayers go out to Craig and Danielle and their families and for the Harness family.
Very much love,
Jo and Jerry
Lila Nettell
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.. She was a wonderful lady and I will miss her sweet smile..
Roy and Kathy Sisco
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Our deepest sympthy and prayers are with all of you throught this time of your great loss.
MARTHA MULFORD
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
TO THE FAMILY OF BARBARA HARNESS, I GOT TO KNOW BARBARA RECENTLY WHEN SHE WAS IN THE HOSP. SHE WAS A VERY PRECIOUS LADY. MY HEARTS GO OUT TO YOU ALL IN YOUR LOSS. MAY THE SAME LORD WHO WELCOMED YOUR LOVED ONE TO HEAVEN , WRAP HIS BIG ARMS AROUND YOU ALL AND COMFORT YOU IN YOUR LOSS.
SINCERELY,
MARTHA MULFORD
Bob and Nancy McFerrin
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Dear Family, our prayers are with you during this time of loss. Your parents were wonderful, outstanding examples of Christians who loved our God!
Bill and Tammy Boswell
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Craig,
Tammy and I were just reading your Mom's obit in today's paper and just wanted to send you prayers for your family and you in this most difficult time. She is more than happy now back with Troy and Brian, but she will always be watching over you
Bill and Tammy Boswell
Emma Ramer
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Aunt Barbra was a special lady to me. I have fond memories growing up of stopping by to see her and Troy on many trips to Harrison from Marshall. Of course, Dad had to use the phone every single time, but she always was patient and kind and greeted us with a smile. As I have witnessed her face the challenges from her stroke and through the deaths of Troy and Brian I am amazed by her strength and perseverance and aspire to be like her. Love her much. Emma