Joan M Harris-Jones

A LOVING FAREWELL

Joan was born on February 7, 1930, in Hillsboro, Texas, to Jack Bess and Kattie Emily Lulabell Shelton. Her early life was shaped by both hardship and resilience. The Bess surname carried a difficult history—her grandfather, a Mexican slave in the 1800s, had been forced to take the name of the slave master, Bess. Yet from those difficult beginnings grew a legacy of perseverance, dignity, and determination that Joan carried throughout her life.

Joan’s father passed away in his early thirties, while her mother, Kattie, lived a long and devoted life before passing away in 1977 at the age of 84. When Joan was five years old, she and her mother moved to Vernon, Texas, where Joan attended Booker T. Washington School from the first grade through high school.

From an early age, Joan distinguished herself through dedication and talent. She graduated with honors as the valedictorian of her class. In addition to her academic success, she was active in drama and often played the leading role in school productions. She was also a starter on the girls’ varsity basketball team, a team that proudly never lost a game.

During her high school years, Joan met her first sweetheart, Alvis Daniels. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Arlena Daniels-Dickerson and Glenda Daniels-Evans.

After graduating, Joan began working as a weight catcher for bales of cotton at the Vernon Cotton Compress. Alvis later preceded Joan in death.

Joan later married Dock Speed Harris, and together they built a growing family. From this marriage came three more children: Juanita Harris-Rodriguez, Kenneth Ray Harris, and Dock Harris Jr. Seeking greater opportunity for their children, Joan and Dock moved from Vernon, Texas, to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Through sacrifice, determination, and hard work, they helped open doors that allowed their children to pursue success in their own lives. Dock later preceded Joan in death.

For many years, Joan’s mother, Kattie, lived in the Harris home and played a cherished role in helping raise the children. Her presence brought love, wisdom, and stability to the household until the youngest child reached adulthood.

Later in life, Joan found companionship and love with Bobby Wayne Jones. Bobby adored Joan deeply, and the two shared several joyful years together before he passed away following an illness.

Joan devoted many years to meaningful work. She worked for more than ten years at Presbyterian Hospital as a scrub nurse in Labor and Delivery, a role she loved because it allowed her to work closely with doctors and witness the miracle of new life. Later, she accepted a position with Mountain Bell, where she faithfully worked for 25 years before retiring.

Even in retirement, Joan’s vibrant spirit continued to shine. She never lost her love of acting and became a background actress, appearing in several television shows including Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad, In Plain Sight, Crash, and The Night Shift, as well as in the film The Spy Next Door starring Jackie Chan, and many others.

Joan was also deeply committed to her community. She developed a close working relationship with the Albuquerque Police Department, partnering with Captain Rob DeBuck to help address drug activity in her neighborhood. Joan showed remarkable courage, personally engaging with individuals struggling with addiction and even confronting those involved in drug dealing. Her determination helped bring meaningful change to her district.

Her dedication to community service was also evident through her leadership roles. She served on the Board of the Albuquerque Block Captain Association and faithfully held the position of treasurer for 19 years. She also served as treasurer of the South Broadway Neighborhood Association. Joan worked closely with President Frances Armijo. It was there that she met her great friends, Albert Martinez and his sister Marcie. He was never too busy to lend a helping hand when she needed it. Al, Marcie and Joan shared many meals together. Joan was forever grateful for their friendship.

Early in her adulthood, Joan followed in her mother’s footsteps by joining Mount Everest #3 Eastern Star and later the Mahalia Jackson Temple #1259. During her years of service she served as recording secretary and, after many years as a Deputy, was honored with the distinguished title of Emeritus Grand District Deputy.

At the heart of Joan’s life was her deep devotion to family. Her life was defined by enduring love, perseverance, and a steadfast faith shaped by her Pentecostal upbringing. Joan joined Faith Temple COGIC. She loved her pastor The Reverend James Walker, and her dear friend and great cook Mrs. Malinda Locke. Joan enjoyed many of her meals.

A very special thanks to Martyne Brooks for her conversation and companionship. She looked forward to her visits.

She leaves behind a legacy carried on by her children:

Arlena Faye Daniels Dickerson (husband Jan),Glenda Carol Daniels Evans (husband Marshall, deceased),Juanita Harris Rodriguez (husband Ricardo),and Dock Harris Jr.

She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren:Lesley Haynes (husband Ronald, deceased), Christopher Harris,Aaron Rodriguez (wife Bethina), Julius Dickerson (wife Katy),Dock Harris III, Brandis Harris Bradford (husband (Amir), Valentino Harris, and Summer Martinez

Joan was preceded in death by her son Kenneth Ray Harris (wife Carla), and her granddaughter Katrina Zamora.

Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Marisa, whom she lovingly raised from infancy, Aaron, Aric, Alexa, Desiree, Jayden, Magnus, Landon, Haven, Harper, Kane, and Evin. Joan was even blessed to witness five generations of women in her family at one time.

She also lived to see the next generation through her great-great-grandchildren: Tarajah, Marcel, and Janea.

Joan’s life was a testament to strength, perseverance, compassion, and unwavering love for family. Through every season of life, she remained a guiding presence—strong in character, generous in spirit, and courageous in the face of life’s challenges.

Her influence will continue to live on through the generations she helped nurture and shape.

Though she will be deeply missed, the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the legacy she leaves behind will continue to shine for years to come. Joan leaves behind many friends that visited and helped her through her later years. 

Her memory will forever live in the hearts of those who new and loved her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at South Broadway Cultural Center, 1025 Broadway SE with a repast to follow. The event will begin April 24,2024 at 11:00 am to end at 2:00 pm.