Jolene Rae Harris

Jolene Rae Harris, a beacon of laughter and love, embarked on her final adventure on December 6, 2023, at the age of 66. Born on the day of May 25, 1957, in Erie, PA, Jolene was known for her contagious smile and a sense of humor that could light up the darkest of rooms. She took her final bow in Killeen, TX, leaving behind a legacy of joy and the kind of memories that turn tears into chuckles.

Jolene, or as she was affectionately known by her friends and family, 'as a true optimistic and encourager,' started off as a veteran who served her country with the same vigor, she lived her life. It is during these army boot years she met and married Mr. James Harris in which they began to “hand make” three extraordinary rambunctious children (James, Jessica, and Jaci). After hanging up her boots (and eventually Mr. James Harris, lol) there were years spent running an in-home-daycare, foster caring for the state of Texas, and then, becoming a beloved substitute teacher at the Killeen Independent School District. In 2016, she took on the role of a skills aide and quickly became the heart and soul of the Special Needs Department and the Behavior Management Unit at Manor Middle School, proving that laughter and kindness truly is the best medicine.

Her life was a tapestry woven with the threads of adventure and selflessness. Jolene's love for the outdoors was evident to anyone who spotted her on her daily walks with her little mighty dog, Buddy, closely keeping up. She could fish with the best of them and was known from time-to-time to unexpectedly turn up the music and get everyone jamming! Jolene was also a master of Pictionary, Spite-n-Malice, Poker, and pretty much any other games that involved someone winning and someone losing (with Jolene often winning).

A talented artist, Jolene's drawings, crafts, and creativity could capture the essence of nearly anything she put her mind to. Her baking skills were second to none – her sweet treats were known to disappear faster than she could explain if they were gluten-free or not.

Jolene's life story wouldn't be complete without a standing ovation for her most prized role as a mother to James, Jessica, and Jacqueline, and an encore for her memorable performances as a grandmother to Kierra, Kaisa, Janae, Jaelah, Nathaniel Jr., and Malachi. She even had a guest appearance as a great-grandmother to Dalia (Deli) Mendez.

She enters the Lord's embrace to join her late father John Janoski, her mother Josephine Ostrowski, her brother John Janoski Jr., and her sister Christina Reyes. She leaves behind her sisters Barbara Scantland and Sherri Coen, who will continue to share her stories and keep her spirit of vibrancy alive.

Jolene's life was a masterclass in living fully, loving hard, and laughing often. She was the embodiment of compassion, a selfless soul who put others before herself. Her absence will be felt deeply, but her influence will live on in the laughter of her family, her friends, and the countless lives she touched with her humor and kindness.

So, let's not say goodbye to Jolene Rae Harris; instead, let's give her a standing ovation for a life well lived and a job well done. For she's not really gone – every time we find humor in the little things, every time we lend a helping hand with a smile, Jolene is right there, chuckling along with us. Curtain down, spotlight off, but the echoes of her laughter will resonate forever.

Memorial service will be 3 PM Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Vintage Church Harker Heights. 171 Farm to Market 3219 Harker Heights, Texas 76548 with Pastor Stevon Bamburg officiating.