Jean A. Harris

 Jean A. Harris of Corrales, 92, passed away peacefully of natural causes surrounded by family on February 22, 2025, at her son's home in Georgia. She is survived by her son Joseph R. Harris, Jr., daughter Allison Harris, daughter-in-law Debbie Benoit-Harris, M.D., grandson David Benoit-Harris, granddaughters Danielle Benoit-Harris Speed (Gary W. Speed) and Camille Benoit Harris, and numerous beloved other relatives, friends and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her husband, the late Joseph R. Harris Sr., and son, the late Ngala Mfalme. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, she was known as "Joy" by her family and friends, especially in Jamaica. Her warm, genuine smile and positive disposition made people instantly feel welcome and cared for. 

 Jean was a devoted wife and partner, a loving mother, a beloved Aunty, a caring grandmother, and a loyal friend. She had an incredible breadth and depth of knowledge in many areas and was an excellent cook, brilliant conversationalist, and a wonderful host. Dinners at the Harris's house were always special and memorable occasions for anyone lucky and blessed enough to be invited. 

 Jean earned a Bachelor's in Classics from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia and a Master's degree in Classics from Fordham University in New York. 

 Jean had a long and varied career in education and consulting, teaching Classics (Latin and Greek) in Jamaica, teaching English as a Second Language in New York City and Plainfield, NJ, and building a career as an independent listening skills consultant and workforce trainer later in life. She also accompanied her husband, Joe, working with the Peace Corps in West Africa and the Ford Foundation in South Africa. Her community affiliations included being a retired member of The Links Incorporated, a member of The Lignum Vitae Club, which serves disadvantaged youth in Jamaica and the UK, serving as a docent at the Albuquerque Museum, a member of the Afro-American Museum of New Mexico Task Force, and volunteering for the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the Hispanic Cultural Center. Jean was a lifelong patron of the arts and music (especially jazz and classical music) and, with her husband, established the Albuquerque Community Foundation's Ngala Memorial Fund, which assists musicians who need medical care. She was also a devoted member of a monthly Book Club with some of her friends. She enjoyed reading and discussing literature, especially from varied cultural and social perspectives and voices. Jean was also blessed with a true green thumb and loved to grow all manner of plants, shrubs, flowers, trees, cacti, orchids, herbs, and spices. 

 Jean was a devout Catholic for her entire life. She attended Mass faithfully, prayed the Rosary, and read Scripture daily. 

 Her funeral Mass will be held Thursday at San Ysidro Catholic Church on Corrales Road in Corrales, New Mexico, on March 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time. www.sanysidroparish.org 

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Albuquerque Community Foundation's Ngala Memorial Fund, which assists musicians with medical care at https://www.albuquerquefoundation.org/donor-stories-ngala-memorial-fund.aspx