Lennis Jones Harris, 64, of Big Island passed away peacefully at Oakwood Health and Rehabilitation Center in Bedford. Lennis was a true and loyal companion to the love of her life, Jerry G Harris, Sr.

Their marriage of 47 years offered an example for a real commitment to the promise of matrimony. As the matriarch of the Harris family, Lennis dedicated her life to raising her children, grandchildren and supporting and advocating for social justice issues. Lennis had a large circle of caring family members and friends.

Lennis was also a role model to many people. She worked tirelessly to encourage others to challenge the wrongs of our world and fight for what is right and just. She thrived in protecting the most vulnerable people and animals from abuse and neglect. She was an active member of the PTSA for over thirty years in Bedford County Public Schools, Girl Scout Leader and Board Member of the Virginia Skyline Girl Scouts in Roanoke, VA. She was on the Board of the Young Women's Christian Association of Central Virginia, Building Bridges Productions, and Democratic Committee of Bedford County. Lennis was a dedicated employee of the Department of Social Services in Amherst County. She was the recipient of numerous leadership awards in our surrounding communities.

Lennis was a graduate of Randolph Macon Woman's College where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology and a graduate of Hollins University where she received her Masters of Liberal Arts in Social Sciences. She was an avid reader, lover of sports, especially when her children and grandchildren were playing, and a super fan of Star Wars.

Lennis is survived by her husband, Jerry G. Harris Sr. of Big Island, VA, her mother, Mary L. Junior of Capitol Heights, MD, a sister, Ms. Carolyn Thomas-Bey of College Park, MD, her four children, Jerry G. Harris Jr. of Fresno, CA, Joanne L. Harris-Duff (Jessica) of Staunton, VA, Jason Gregory Harris of Bedford, VA, and Johnathan Girade Harris (Courtney) of Richmond, VA, her devoted niece and surrogate daughter, Kimberly Loraine Proctor Carter (DeWayne) of Haymarket, VA, three grandchildren, Randy Harris, Jordan Harris and Jabari Harris-Duff. She leaves four nephews, two nieces, one great nephew, and one great niece, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and loyal friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Jennifer Lynn Harris, sister and best friend, Esther Lee Junior Coleman and, her brother David Junior. Lennis' favorite quote and life motto was from world peace leader, Gandhi, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Big Island Volunteer Rescue Squad.