Frances P. Harriss

Frances Ellison Peters Harriss died February 25, 2016. She was the wife of the late Harvey Wood Harriss. Born November 12, 1921, she was the first child of the late Harry Glenn Peters and Elsie Mae Obenchain Peters. Frances was preceded in death by three sisters, Ann Josephine Peters Wright and her husband, Johnny, Edith Bernley Peters Penfield, Catherine Mae Peters Haskins; a brother, Martin Glenn Peters; a sister-in-law, Sue Peters; and a nephew, Archer Alexander Haskins, Jr.

She is survived by one brother, Alvin Henry Peters; a sister-in-law, Florence Peters; and a brother-in-law, Gail Penfield. Many nieces and nephews survive with some living in the area; John Marshall Haskins and his wife Nona of Forest, Molly Frances Haskins Garbee and her husband, Lewis, also of Forest, Marjorie Ann Haskins Johnson and her husband, Harry, of Moneta and Virginia J. Haskins of Lynchburg, wife of the late Archer A. Haskins, Jr. They were attentive and caring throughout her life, a precious gift.

Frances was “Grandma Fran” to the Williamson family, who survive; Elizabeth and John Gardner, Marian and James Price and their children, Jamie and Lisa, Carol and Mike Ness and their son, Alan, his wife, Jessica and sons, Collin and Logan, Margaret and Tim Griffin and their sons, Adam and Andrew, Anne Rickmon and her daughter, Kimbrough, George and Patty Williamson and their children, Luke and Emily and her husband, Paul. Their love was one of her many blessings.

Frances came to Lynchburg during World War II and worked as a secretary for Craddock Terry Shoe Corporation, Lynchburg Foundry Co. and General Electric Corp. During the war, she served many hours as a nurses aid for the American Red Cross. In 1965, she and two friends opened Virginia Handcrafts, Inc. and were in business for forty years. She served three consecutive terms as President of the Lynchburg Art Club, and it was during her term of office that the first permanent home was purchased at 1011 Rivermont Avenue. The first history of the Club was published “The Lynchburg Art Club and its Affiliates” by Ruth Homes Blunt. She was on the original board of Riverviews and served on that board for over nine years.

For over fifty years, she was the private secretary to the Perkins-Smither families, a wonderful relationship that gave her much pleasure.

She was active in the Lynchburg Historical Society and was supportive in the effort to have Rivermont Avenue designated a Historic District.

Frances became a PEO, Chapter AD member in 1980 and was a past president of her Chapter. She leaves behind many loyal friends in the PEO sisterhood.

She was an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church for over fifty years, serving the mission of the Church in many different ways during her lifetime. Her Church and Church family were very important to her.

Interment for family and friends will be held at Spring Hill Cemetery on Saturday, March 5th at 12 p.m., followed by a Memorial Service at 1 p.m. with Rev. Kimberly Glenn officiating at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 200 Boston Avenue, Lynchburg, Va. 24503. Reception to follow in McGill Hall.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Church or a charity of choice.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.