Lynn Jeanette Harkins

Lynn Jeanette Harkins – devoted sister, mother, grandmother, friend and woman of faith – went to rest in the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ during the early hours of Tuesday, June 1, 2016 after battling valiantly through complications resulting from open heart surgery. A member of St. Luke Catholic Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, she brought joy, love and laughter to all who knew her, right up to the time of her passing. Lynn was born on March 21, 1951 in DuQuoin, Illinois, the second child of Roscoe Conklin and LaVerne Taylor Harkins. Soon after her birth, the family, including her sister Melissa, settled in Indianapolis, where she attended public schools and ultimately graduated from Arlington High School in 1969 as a member of the National Honor Society. Gifted with intellect and artistic ability, Lynn would go on to attend her family alma mater, the University of Cincinnati, where she majored in Sociology. Later in life, she would also study Accounting at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. A thirst for knowledge and understanding were a constant in Lynn’s life even beyond her formal education. She was an avid reader and book collector and a student of history, politics, economics and genealogy. A gifted Bible scholar, she amassed an extensive collection of biblical translations and supporting manuscripts. Lynn was an intuitive problem solver, always looking to figure out exactly how things worked and the best and most efficient way to a solution. These were gifts that served her well in her professional career which included tenures with Citizens Gas and Coke Utility, Indiana Bell, AT&T, Ameritech and Integrated Business Solutions. Lynn was also an entrepreneur, leveraging her skills in telecommunications, transcription, manuscript editing and business development. She was a member of the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers and the National Genealogical Society. While she studied many beliefs and religious denominations, the most important facet of Lynn’s life was her deep faith and commitment to serving the Lord Jesus Christ with her spiritual gifts. Baptized in 1959 at First Baptist Baptist Church North Indianapolis, she would later join New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church where she served faithfully as a member of the Sanctuary Choir for many years under the direction of her beloved childhood music teacher, Mrs. Ruth Lomax Davis. She also served as the church pianist, working closely with the Youth Choir. After studying the history of the Fathers of the Church, Lynn made the decision to convert to Catholicism, completing her confirmation at Holy Angels Catholic Church in 1992. She went on to attend St. Lawrence Catholic Church before becoming a parishioner with St. Luke’s where she remained until the time of her passing. Lynn was preceded in death by her mother and father; her nephew, Patrick L. Kittrell; and her beloved uncle, Benjamin K. Harkins. Her memory will be forever cherished by her daughter, Rachel D. Graham of New Orleans, Louisiana; the joys of her heart – her granddaughter, Morgan-Me’Lyn D. Grant of New Orleans, and grandson, Murray D. Grant, III of Fulshear, Texas; her sister and best friend, Melissa (Ralph) Kittrell of Indianapolis; her nephews - Vernon T. Kittrell, Adam Michael Kittrell, Sr. and Philip X. (Sarah) Kittrell, Sr. - all of Indianapolis; and a host of extended family, friends, fellow believers and colleagues. Well done, thy good and faithful servant. Well done