Harris, Irene Blankenship

Irene Blankenship Harris, 85, of Narrows, better known as “Granny” by her family and community went home to God on Tuesday, May 27, 2008.

A lifelong resident of Narrows, she was born on September 8, 1922, and was the daughter of the late James Carbin and Mary Ratcliff Blankenship. From an early age, she was raised by an aunt and uncle, Nannie and Wirt Clark. In addition to her mother and father, she was preceded in death by her husband, Luther Arvel Harris, whom she married in June 1938; a grandson; two great-grandsons; and five brothers.

Together with her husband, she raised four children. As a family, they worked together operating Harris’ Grocery in Narrows. She attended the Narrows Pentecostal Holiness Church. But she will best be remembered for her care, love, faith devotion, support, joy and laughter for her family and for all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by a daughter, Sarah Jeanette Fletcher; three sons, Luther “Jerry” Harris and wife, Evelyn, Larry C. Harris and wife, Sandy, all of Narrows, and Marlon D. Harris and wife, Waynette, of Christiansburg. To the delight of Granny, the family grew to include 18 grandchildren; 23 greatgrandchildren; and five greatgreat-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 30, 2008, at Cornerstone Pentecostal Holiness Church in Narrows with the Rev. Dr. Connie Bowles officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Narrows. The family will receive friends at Cornerstone Pentecostal Holiness Church on Thursday, May 29, 2008, from 6 to 9 p.m.

The family requests that those sending memorial contributions, please consider the Giles Lifesaving and Rescue Squad. A memorial garden in Granny’s honor will be created in the near future and friends are welcome to order or bring outdoor potted plants.

Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows is serving the Harris family. Online condolence messages to the family can be sent to www.riffes.com.