Sharon Joy Harris

Sharon Joy Harris, 64, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, December 29, 2023, in Ocean Springs, MS. 

Sharon was born on October 30, 1959, in Chicago, Il. She lived most of her life in the Great Smoky Mountains and called Sevierville, TN her home. In 2019, she suffered a stroke that left her unable to live independently, so she was eventually moved to Mississippi to be close to her sister, Julie Kelley, and Julie’s husband, Robert Lowery, who lovingly watched over her for the last four years. 

She is proceeded in death by her mother, Betty, and her father, Lyle Hawkins. 

She is survived by four children, Abigail Harris (Richard Stenson), Dustin Hawkins, Joshua Snyder (Melissa Coffey), Thomas Snyder (Ashley) and five grandchildren, Samara Snyder, Braylon Snyder, Ja'Mykah Meakens, Nyvarious Stenson, and Xa'Khari Stenson, as well as, two brothers, two sisters, her stepmother, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Additionally, Sharon is survived by her Uncle Charles Hawkins (Jane) who played a significant role in caring for Sharon throughout her entire life. 

Sharon lived with many adversities and heartaches. In spite of her struggles, she deeply loved the people in her circle, and she never gave up, even in these last few years of suffering. She was kind to everyone she met and she would give anything she could to help someone in need. She was a huge fan of Reba McEntire and loved this quote from her favorite Reba song, "Who loves her kids and never stops, with gentle hands and the heart of a fighter, I’m a survivor". And, throughout it all, Sharon was indeed, a survivor. 

After cremation, her ashes will be returned to family in TN for a private memorial service. 

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, is honored to serve the family of Sharon Joy Harris.