Serena Harris

Serena Jones Harris

1940 – 2017

 Mary Serena Jones Harris passed away peacefully at the University of Utah Hospital, on Monday, February 20, 2017.  She died in the presence of her loving family.

 Serena was born on June 19, 1940 in Anderson, SC, to Fred and Sara Jones.  She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Ezra (Zeb) Harris, their sons, Ezra (Rip) Harris Jr, and Frederick (Derick) Harris, their spouses Glynnis and Jori, and 5 beautiful grandchildren; Rhys, Finnegan, Isabel, Emily and Jack.

 Serena graduated from Anderson High in 1957, the University of South Carolina in 1961, and earned a Master’s Degree at the University of Hartford (CT).  She loved tennis, skiing and scuba diving.  Her love of adventure took her and Zeb from West Hartford, CT to North Granby, CT where they raised their boys in a wonderful community among a group of dear friends. She could often be found under the trees at the Granby Tennis Club, or keeping an eye on the boys at the Hampstead Hill Swim club, laughing and enjoying life in the country.  Serena found professional success outside the home as a Business Arts teacher at East Granby HS, and a systems analyst and programmer for several large insurance companies.

 In 1995, Serena returned to South Carolina to care for her father.  After 30 years of chilly New England winters, she decided that the upstate region of South Carolina would be a nice place to retire.  Zeb was informed as such, and he joined her there.  Serena spent time with numerous animal rescue organizations, showering love on their German shepherd, Sadie, and most any other 2 or 4 legged creature she crossed paths with.

 In 2006 Serena and Zeb moved to Kaysville, UT to be close to Derick and his young family.

 While her accent may have faded, Serena never lost her gracious southern charm.  Her contagious laugh and the twinkle in her eye brought a smile to everyone’s face.  Her love of nature and of all god’s creatures lent her a spiritual peacefulness that filled a room with love.

 A memorial service has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 7, from 6 to 8 pm at the Russon Funeral Home, 255 S 200 E, Salt Lake City, UT.  A celebration of her life will be held in Granby, CT on Saturday July 8 at 4pm at the First Congregational Church, 219 N Granby Road, Granby, CT. 

 Memorial donations can be made to Best Friends Animal Society (Utah.bestfriends.org)   Online guestbook available at www.russonmortuary.com