Ms. Barbara J. Harris

Sis. Barbara Jean Harris, was peacefully called to her eternal resting place on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, Virginia. She was born on March 3, 1950 to the late Linwood and Mildred Pretlow. Sis. Barbara Jean is the mother of Mrs. Barbara Smith and Mr. Joseph H. Harris, IV. She is predeceased by her son, John Henry Harris and her brother, Spencer Pretlow.

Sis. Barbara Jean was a sweet-spirited person with a beautiful smile. Her smile and laughter would light up any room that she entered. She had a passion for cooking and she enjoyed her family and friends to the upmost. Sis. Barbara Jean truly was the life of a party. She loved to dance and loved watching her western shows. She loved her Pepsi-Colas, potato chips and tootsie roll pops, which were her favorite snacks. She was an avid Washington Redskins (Commanders) fan.

Sis. Barbara Jean accepted Christ in her life. She was a member of Goodwill Baptist Church, located in Hampton, Virginia. Some years ago, she participated with the Usher Board. She was a true believer of God’s word and believed in the power of prayer.

Sis. Barbara Jean leaves to cherish her precious memories: two children: Barbara Smith (James) and Joseph Harris, IV of Hampton, Virginia; three sisters:
Cynthia Picott and Linda Pretlow of Hampton, Virginia and Sylvia Pretlow of Fayetteville, North Carolina; two brothers: George Pretlow of South Carolina and Douglas Pretlow (Michaelle) of Atlanta, Georgia; four grandchildren: Antonio Harris, RaeQuan Harris, Kendra Jennings and Timothy Watson, all of Hampton, Virginia; seven great-grandchildren: Skylar Harris, A’Nyah Campbell, Future Watson, TyLethia Atkins, Aleesia Watson, Rio Harris all of Newport News, Virginia and Koa Harris of Hampton, Virginia; one great-great grandson: Josaahn Watson of Newport News, Virginia; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Special thanks to her caregiver, Sis. Regina Mayfield, who was with her until the end.

It is the desire of the Harris and Smith families that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Ms. Barbara J. Harris has entrusted her final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.

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