of Harrison, AR
December 29, 1927 - May 17, 2023
Veda Josephine Harness Mathis, age 95, of Harrison, passed away peacefully with her family by her side Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center. She was born December 29, 1927, in Carnegie, Oklahoma, one of eight children born to James Riley and Malinda Turney Harness.
A Southern Hills Missionary Baptist Church member for many years, she was saved at twelve in Searcy County. She married Clinton Eugene Mathis on April 22, 1950, at Prairie View Baptist Church. She graduated from Bellefonte High School, where she played basketball and worked at the Lindsey Hotel. She was a secretary for Caterpillar Tractor and the City of Harrison. She loved tending to her flowers, crocheting, and her best four-legged friend, Bitsy. She also loved to sing and loved to spend her free time attending singing conventions when her body was able. She was known for impersonating her Aunt Nora. She will be remembered for her beautiful bright red curly hair, pretty pink fingernails, her love for her family, but most importantly, for the legacy of faith that she left her family through her example.
Veda Jo was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her children, Kimmy Britt and Kevan Eugene Mathis; great-granddaughter, Ashley Harkrider; brothers, Earl Harness, Clifford Harness, Troy Harness, Roy Harness, Perry Harness, James Riley Harness Jr. and sister, Reva Harness.
She is survived by her great-grandchildren and spouses, Kimberly Mathis and Kayla (David) Mondy; her best friend, Jennie Fore, AKA The Package, AKA The John; and a host of nieces and nephews.
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalms 119:11
Visitation was Monday, May 22, 2023, at Southern Hills Baptist Church. The funeral service was held Tuesday at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home with Mel Harness and Chris Adams officiating.
The interment was in Maplewood Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Tim Harness, Craig Harness, Danny Harness, Gary Harness, Bill Fore, Luke Adams, Jacob Little, and Mark Ramer.
Honorary pallbearers were her nieces, nephews, and the staff of Newton County Nursing Home.
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8 Condolence(s)
Sandy Neighbors
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
I met her when my mother n law shirley neighbors first came to newton co nurseing home,she came over to her bedside and patted her end of bed and said honey it'll be ok,she came in to visit alot,I'm so glad ,I called her little red,we all sat at the super table 1 evening there and laughed n cutup about all the ladies nt eating there greenbeans.shirley passed right before her.god speed rest in peace little red
Robert and Pat Robinson
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Kayla, we couldn't be there, but we were there. We watched the DVD here at home. Beautiful pictures and priceless memories. She loved you and Homer so very much.
Our hearts are with you. Hugs.
Jenette Blackledge
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
She was one of the best people I've ever known . I'm very proud to have her as my great aunt.
Kim Brown
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Our sincerest condolences and prayers go out to all who knew and loved Miss Veda Jo. She always brought a smile wherever she went. Our loss is Heaven's gain. May God grant you comfort and peace during this time. â¤ðŸ™âœï¸ðŸ™â¤
Nelda Coffman
Saturday, May 20, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. She will be missed by by many. God Bless Nelda Coffman and Family
Cheryl Clark
Friday, May 19, 2023
Prayers for the family. God bless and comfort you.
Christi Fore Nolan
Friday, May 19, 2023
So sorry for yalls loss. So many childhood memories visiting in Harrison, Ar to see Ms. Jo. She was always so welcoming, sweet, kind and so funny. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Pam Stone
Friday, May 19, 2023
Jo was a wonderful mother-in-law to me for 23 years. She was always supportive, and her faith in God was an inspiration to me. She loved her Jesus and her family greatly. She sure adored her great grandchildren! I can just imagine the wonderful reunion she is having in Heaven!