BARBARA HARRIS, 82
Loved by the community she loved

Barbara's brother, the late Ray Rolan, recalled her first days, "December 28, 1931 was a big day. That was when Barbara was born. At the time people were very secretive about being pregnant. They would not use that word. They would say in the 'family way. I was eight and a half years old and I had no idea we were going to have a baby in the house…

It was such a surprise. I had been the baby 8 ½ years and I did not like her at first. One time she was lying in her cradle crying and Mama told me to rock her so I started rocking the cradle, but she kept crying and then Mama said to say something to her so I said, 'shut up.' I got a spanking for that. Of course I was loving Barbara and playing with her as much as anyone. In fact, I was the main one to read to her."

Barbara and her family moved to Ball Ground in 1939, leaving the sharecropping life in Bartow County so the men could work in a sawmill. Barbara thrived in Ball Ground, made friends, and excelled in school where she loved being in plays and programs, reciting poetry and most of all reading! Today she would be described as an animal whisperer: the family dog became her dog; the pig and the goat were both fast friends.

Her family moved to Canton when Barbara was at Canton High School, Her brothers had planned for Barbara to go to college, but less than a month after graduating CHS, Barbara wed Harold Harris, for life.

While Harold turned his sawmilling business into a successful manufacturing concern Barbara focused her energies first on being a homemaker and mother to her children, and further in helping to improve her community. Her greatest desire was always to give glory to God through her dealings with others. Her sunny smile and sincere concern touched many who express deep gratitude for her presence in their lives.

She helped organize community events, and was a tireless community school volunteer. She taught religious lessons to youth, teens and adults for decades in the Ball Ground Baptist Church, where she also enjoyed singing in choir and performing special music.

In her early years, she was always on the lookout for children whose families didn't attend church regularly. She made sure the children knew they were welcome. Often she would first accommodate attendance to Vacation Bible School, then to regular Sunday school. Her own children recall the family car seeming to be a shuttle on Sundays, transporting Barbara's young friends. In several instances after a couple of shuttles, the parents would bring the children and sometimes stay themselves.

Later in her life, she taught adult Sunday school. She struggled to believe she was competent to do this, but was strongly urged to continue. Class members declared her connection to God and the world He put her in gave them inspiration and hope. She ministered to the elderly - carrying them to appointments, to church or other events, and sometimes just cooking for them.

Barbara's daughter, Lynne, a theologian notes; "Mother was extremely aware of what are sometimes called "quotidian mysteries", that is, the sacredness of the day to day mysteries of life. Little miracles delighted her: flowers, a beautiful sunrise, kittens, butterflies, birds ...especially children and old people. She saw life as a great gift to which she responded with thanksgiving, and the gift of herself. Faith, hope and love were the underpinning for this awareness; but her greatest inspiration was always love."

Barbara Rolan Harris died Wednesday at the age of 82 after a decade long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. She passed from this life surrounded by family and those she loved, including the loving, caring residents and staff at Emeritus Assisted Living Community, Canton.

Her husband, Harold; her parents, Mathie Lee and Bessie Pearl Rolan; and her brothers and sisters, Cecil, Ray and Polly precede Barbara in death.

Her children, Lynne Harris Worthington (Bill), NC and the Hon. Jackson Harris, (Anne) Canton, survive her. Five grandchildren, Will, Leigh, Mary, Taylor and Kathryn and numerous nieces and nephews survive.

She also leaves behind a special friend who provided care and happiness for Barbara throughout her Alzheimer's journey, Kathleen Biddy, Ball Ground.

Funeral arrangements are made through Darby Funeral Home Canton GA.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a donation to Alzheimer's Association – alz.org