Blackstone - Frances Mayes Parson Harris, age 79, of Blackstone, VA, passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving morning, November 24, 2011, to rejoin her dearly beloved husband, Dr. James Selden Harris. She is survived by two sons, Rev. Dr. James Selden Harris Jr. (Liz) of Virginia Beach, and Dr. Sydney Madison Harris (Suzanne) of Danville; daughter, Frances Harris Schwabenton (John) of Blackstone; brother, George Lee Parson Jr. of Stony Creek; nine grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Fran is predeceased by her parents George Lee Parson and Virginia Fraher Parson; and sisters Ruby Parson Jones, Virginia Parson Parson, and Shirley Parson Andrews.

Born the daughter of a peanut farmer and a school teacher, Fran enjoyed her early years in Stony Creek, Virginia as the youngest of five children. She loved time with family, worship at Concord United Methodist Church, softball games at Bolster's Store, working at her older sister's general merchandise store in Jarrett, and jitterbugging at community dances. Fran arrived in Blackstone at age 15 to attend Blackstone College for girls. Shortly after arriving in town, Fran met her future husband Jimmy. The two developed an off-and-on courtship that lasted for over 9 years before their marriage. Fran graduated high school from Blackstone College for Girls in 1949, next attended first year of college there, and then was off to Radford College where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1952. After college, Fran taught Physical Education at Cradock High School in Portsmouth, Virginia. During these years, she and Jimmy reunited, quickly engaged, and ultimately married in 1956. The couple move to Charlottesville as Jimmy was enrolling at University of Virginia Medical School. Fran taught Physical Education at Albemarle High School, but retired when she and Jimmy began a family.

Fran's greatest passion in life was her devotion to husband Jimmy and their three children. Fran's greatest vocation was her fervent support of Jimmy in his many endeavors in service to the public at large as a medical doctor and as a public government official as the Mayor of Blackstone. Fran felt she had a responsibility to help, aid, and assist her husband in the many aspects of his duties, and she carried herself with grand zeal and tremendous pride.

As an adult, Fran worshiped at Blackstone Presbyterian Church. She dedicated herself to the church as Sunday School Teacher, member of the Presbyterian Women of the church, Night Circle, and former Vacation Bible School Director. Fran was also a former Girl Scouts Leader, lifetime member of the 3 Arts Club, member of the James Allen Chapter of the D.A.R., and enjoyed her time with her friends while bowling and playing Bridge.

The family wishes to acknowledge devoted friend and caregiver, Ida Robertson, who passed away in September, 2011. Ida was constantly at Fran's side lending support and nurturing love for over seven years. The Harris Family wishes to express their deep appreciation and utmost gratitude to the clinical and administrative staff of Holly Manor Nursing Home at The Woodlands in Farmville, VA for their most excellent care, support and compassion for her and shown to them during her final week.

The family will receive friends on Monday, November 28 from 6 to 8 P.M., at the Joseph McMillian Funeral Home, 1826 Cox Rd. (Bus. Hwy 460) near Blackstone. Funeral services will be held 11 A.M. on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at the Blackstone Presbyterian Church with interment to follow in Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Blackstone Presbyterian Church, 301 Church Street, Blackstone, VA 23824.