With her devoted husband of 61 years at her side, Joan Althea Stickney Harris was peacefully swept into God's loving and welcoming arms on May 15. Joan was born in Houston, Texas on September 18, 1937 to Leon Claude and Althea Stickney.

Following graduation from John H. Reagan High School she began her career as a Dental Hygienist helping to open an orthodontic office. Sunday morning, October 4, 1964 she saw a red headed interim music minister named Jack Harris. That evening after church they met and love bloomed. They eloped eight weeks later on December 3rd and a beautiful life began.

Jack's military career took them to many places where Joan's ability to make everyone feel special was a blessing to everyone she met. An active member of Officers Wives Organizations, she served as President at numerous Air Force bases and The Armed Forces Staff College. A few of her many accomplishments - established a committee to welcome families as they arrived at military bases providing them with household goods until their shipments arrived; updated and oversaw the operations of a military college's convenience store; wrote and directed a play to raise money for a non-profit organization; developed and led numerous women's Bible studies and retreats; served as President of a United Methodist Church District women's organization; taught women's Sunday school classes.

With her husband, she organized Christmas funds drives that brought joy to needy families; developed and co-led Sunday in school classes, Bible studies and Home groups many churches; volunteered in Special Olympics; established and led welcoming and hospitality committees in many churches. Joan was a strong Christian Lady whose faith never wavered in spite of adversity. Never meeting a stranger, her vibrant and beautiful love of life endeared her to everyone she met. Joan was special to many people but most special to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She loved being their Mom and Mimi. She enjoyed fishing, birdwatching, working puzzles, reading and Texas. In lieu of flow playing Yahtzee, Nickle and particularly Farkel with her daughter Joy and sister Claudia who she regularly beat.
Although she loved her naps, she cherished her 61 years with Jack. She often told him "I wish I had met you sooner so I could love you longer." A comment he also shared with her. Joan was a thoughtful caring compassionate Lady with a quick wit, ready smile, positive attitude and tender heart. You always felt better when you left her than when you came. She was beautiful inside and out - a blessing to know.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Melissa Welch, son Monte Paul Strickland, grandson Matthew
Strickland, and great grandson Kai Luera. She is survived by her loving husband Jack Harris; sister Claudia Loggins; brother Dr. Robert Welch and wife Ruth; daughters Joy Strickland, Jill Luera and husband Samuel Jr; grandchildren Casey Schulze and husband Tyler, Samuel Luera lll and wife Desiree; Courtney Valdenegro and husband Jose; great grandchildren Samuel Luera IV, Creston and Corban Schulze, Adeline Russell, Dustin Collins and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Klein Funeral Home (1400 W. Main Tomball, Texas). In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to celebrate Joan's life can direct their donations to Kai's Gift a non-profit helping families battling pediatric cancer. Checks made out to Kai's Gift may be left at the service or mailed to 523 Arbor Point Court, Pinehurst Tx 77362. Venmo is also available at Kais_Gift.

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