Antoinette S Harris

Antoinette “Toni” Harris, 90, of Inverness, Florida, passed away on October 22, 2026, at The Oaks of Clearwater in Clearwater, Florida. 

Born and raised in New Jersey, Toni graduated from Belleville High School and went on to earn her master’s degree from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, in 1976. 

Toni was preceded in death by her parents, Norma (Dix) Wells and John W. Harris, and her siblings, Georgette F. Whitley and Judith F. Wells. 

She is survived by her daughters, Valerie Lynn Boyer and Norma Jackson Pryor; her son-in-law, Lloyd Clinton “Clint” Pryor; her siblings, Walter L. Wells and Lois M. Wells; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. 

A Woman of Independence, Leadership, and Service

Toni was an exceptionally independent, resourceful, and accomplished woman who dedicated her life to education, community development, and empowering others. 

Before retiring to Florida, Toni built an impressive career in New Jersey. From 1984 to 1990, she served as owner and CEO of Harris Construction in Budd Lake, New Jersey. Previously, she was Executive Director of the Architects Community Design Center from 1972 to 1984. Her professional experience also included serving as Director of Administrative and Teacher Development for the Newark Board of Education Model Schools Program and as an adult education instructor for the City of Newark Job Training Program. 

Toni’s commitment to education produced remarkable results. Under her instruction, 83% of her students passed their GED examinations on their first attempt. Her innovative teaching methods attracted national attention and were highlighted in a 1968 NBC television White House Paper report entitled “The Unemployables.” 

Toni also had a flair for fashion. After the birth of her first child, Valerie, she became a top-10 runway fashion model in the New Jersey–New York area. 

Even in retirement, Toni remained committed to making a difference in the lives of others. In Citrus County, Florida, she served as a Guardian ad Litem, advocating for the best interests of children. She also provided GED preparation to night-school students who had been permanently removed from the public school system and worked part-time as a GED instructor at Cypress Creek Detention Center in Lecanto, Florida. 

Toni’s interests and talents extended well beyond education. She produced and hosted “Mount Oliver Perspectives,” a weekly cable television program serving the Morris County, New Jersey, area. She also founded the National Community Design Center Directors’ Association, served on the board of the National Organization for Minority Architects, and was a past president of the Urban League’s Morris County Chapter. 

Throughout her life, Toni demonstrated a remarkable ability to lead, innovate, and open doors for others. Whether through education, community development, advocacy, or public service, she left a lasting impression on the people and communities she served. 

Memorial Service 

A memorial service celebrating Toni’s life was held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at: 

Heartwood Preserve 

4100 Starkey Boulevard 

Trinity, FL 34655

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to your local ASPCA in Toni Harris’ name.