Betty J. Harris

Betty Jean Harris, 84, of Gainesville Florida, peacefully passed away on December 25, 2023 at
Et York Haven Hospice at 12:34am. She was born and raised in Tracy City, Tennessee. After
finishing school in Memphis Tennessee, she married the love of her life, Dr. Sam L. Harris, in
1960. They moved to Melbourne Florida and then to Ft. Lauderdale Florida where she raised
her family.
Betty was involved in various civic organizations in Ft. Lauderdale, such as the American
Cancer Society, in which she chaired for many years, “Breakfast With Santa '', she was on the
Beaux Arts Committee in Fort Lauderdale, and was passionate about volunteering for the Fort
Lauderdale Children’s Theatre. She held various offices for the Women’s Auxiliary of the
Broward County Optometric Association as well as holding various offices for the Women’s
Auxiliary for the State Of Florida Optometric Association. She was a forty year member of the
P.E.O. Sisterhood and was very involved in her church, St. Ambrose, in Fort Lauderdale and not
to forget to mention the absolute best homeroom mom for all three of her daughters! She loved
music and enjoyed entertaining in her home quite often. Betty worked alongside her husband in
his optometric office for many years as well as in retail sales with Chicos.
After Sam passed away in 2006, Betty settled in Gainesville Florida. She loved her community
of friends at Millhopper Pines and enjoyed her weekly Bingo gatherings.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Sam L. Harris, her mother, Violet Irene Brown,
her older sister, B. Ruth Reid and her beloved younger sister, Doris Ann Layne Waite.
Betty is survived by her loving children, Nancy Harris Engstrom(William) of Ft. Lauderdale,
Suzanne Harris Borganelli(Dr. Greg) of Gainesville, Melissa Harris Reiss(Gregory) of Coconut
Creek, her grandchildren, Scott and Riley Reiss, as well as many nieces and nephews. The
family would like to personally thank Dale, Wendy, Jan & Aida for the extra love and compassion
shared with Betty in her final months.
Please consider a memorial donation to St. Jude’s Hospital or ASPCA.