Joan Marie Harris

JOAN M. HARRIS

Joan Marie (Blackburn) Harris, 85, a longtime Liberty resident, went to see Jesus on January 30, 2024, at Liberty Hospital with family at her side.

Joan was born September 17, 1938, in Kansas City, MO, the youngest of three daughters of Robert Parker Blackburn and Mary Elizabeth (Watson) Blackburn.  She grew up in Independence, MO, and graduated from William Chrisman High School.  She later received her bachelor’s degree in education from Culver Stockton College. Joan taught school in her early working years, and later became a stay-at-home mom to her children, Leonard and Cyndy.  In later years she worked as a teacher’s aide in the Liberty school district before she retired.  Joan was an active member of the formerLiberty Christian Union, and currently a member of Flack Memorial Church in Excelsior Springs. She used her many crafting skills to create decorations for Liberty Christian Unionand is well-known for her hand-made Christmas and birthday cards lovingly fashioned in the hundreds for those she loved.  

Joan was united in marriage to Ralph Harris on August 19, 1960, and they were married nearly 63 years until his death in 2023. She was also preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary Lee Vader; daughter-in-law, Amy Michelle Harris; and son-in-law, Chris Jenkins.  

Survivors include her children, Leonard Harris (Jennifer) and Cyndy Tovar (Loyd); grandchildren, Katrina Jenkins, Zach Harris (Abbie), Alyssa Watson (Jon), Josh Jenkins, Garrick Harris, and Eric Tovar; great grandchildren, Samson, Asher, Campbell, Hazel, Melrose, and a great grandson Zaiden due in February.  She also leaves a sister, Delta Larsen, as well as nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by a service celebrating Joan’s life at 11:00 am, on Tuesday, February 6, at Flack Memorial Church, 1300 Tracy Avenue, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024. Burial in Glenridge Cemetery, Liberty. Memorials are suggested to the church.  

You may share a message with the family or sign an online guest book via www.parklawnfunerals.com.  Arrangements: Park Lawn Northland Chapel (816) 781-8228.