Jane Best Harmon

Jane graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1950. She loved music and enjoyed the theatre, dance, orchestra and choir. While in high school Jane worked at the historical downtown Brock's Department Store.

After graduation, Jane attended Bakersfield College. In 1952 she worked as an executive secretary for S.A . Camp Company. Jane married and moved to Brownsville, Texas for sixteen years and had three children. While living in Brownsville, Jane was very active in various philanthropic organizations, one of which was serving as Vice President of the Brownsville Jr. Service League. She was also very active in the First Baptist Church as a Sunday School teacher.

In 1970 Jane returned to Bakersfield and worked at her alma mater, Bakersfield High School. On July 14, 1972, she married Gene Harmon and began working alongside Gene running Harmon's Grading Co. Jane continued her love for the arts, joined The Keynotes women's singing group, participated in many different art classes and enjoyed season tickets to local theaters.

After retirement in 1997, Jane and Gene's life was filled with adventure. Weekends at Pismo Beach, traveling the USA in their motorhome with other RV enthusiasts.

Jane cared deeply for her family and many friends. She loved attending Valley Baptist Church, singing in the choir, member of Balcony Women's Bible Study and the Valley Voyagers Club.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband Gene Harmon, her mother and father Vola and John Best.

She is survived by her loving family, John Michael Waller (Joy), DeAnna Slayman, Randy Harmon (Gail), Janice Schmasow (Gary), ten grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 10:00 am. Followed by a memorial Service and reception at Valley Baptist Church Fruitvale at 11:00 am.