Ansley Honeyford Harkins, 94 passed away peacefully surrounded by family members on September 5, 2018 at Hospice Ministries, Ridgeland, MS. Ansley or AH as most knew him, was born in Saint Anne’s Community in Leake County, Mississippi, on August 24, 1924, the son of the late Michael Patrick Harkins and Mary Susan Gee Harkins. He was the 9th of 12 children, six sisters and five brothers. Ansley attended St. Anne’s Catholic School and Thomastown High School. At the age of 19, Ansley enlisted in the United States Navy. He served as a torpedo man on the USS Kendrick, USS Trippe, and USS Boyle before he was honorably discharged in 1945.
Following his discharge from the Navy, Ansley attended Saint Bernard College in Cullman, AL. After college, a friend he had met while at Saint Bernard invited him to visit him in Uniontown, PA. This college friend was the cousin of a young lady by the name of June Provance. June and Ansley married August 3, 1949. They recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.
Mr. Harkins was a home building contractor and developer in the Jackson area for over 60 years. He was active in the Home Builder’s Association of Jackson as well as the National Home Builder’s Association where he served on the board of directors for many years. He was a Lifetime Spike.
He was a lifelong member of the Catholic Faith. He was a parishioner of Saint Richard Catholic Church. He actively supported his Catholic Community by donating his time and talents to construction of various buildings as well as the restoration of the interior of Saint Peter Cathedral in downtown Jackson. The Harkins Catholic legacy boasts several nuns as well as priests, including the late Monsignor Thaddeus Harkins.
Mr. Harkins was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John P. Harkins, Robert M. Harkins(Bud), Thomas M. Harkins(Buddy); sisters, Agnes Harkins Caffey, Beulah Harkins Luckett, Cyrena (Maggie) Harkins, RSM, Grace Harkins Callahan, Teresa Harkins Beckham, and infant brother and sister Bennie Harkins and Rose Harkins. He is survived by his sister, Lalonde Harkins, and sister-in-law Barbara Harkins Kilpatrick Jones. In addition, Ansley is survived by his three children: James Patrick Harkins, Sr. (Bridget), Michael Murray Harkins, Sr. (Mary) and Catherine Ann Harkins. His legacy includes six grandchildren five great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to thank the staff at St. Dominic’s Hospital for the care given to Ansley during his illness. They would also like to thank Highland Homes, as well as Hospice Ministries for their support and compassion. The family extends a special thank you to his personal caretaker, Tobie Carter.
A private family service was held on Monday, September 10, 2018 at Lakewood Memorial Park with Father Thomas Lalor presiding. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations be made to Saint Richard Special Kids Program 100 Holly Drive, Jackson, MS 39206 or by visiting the school website: strichardschool.org or the Sisters of Mercy Ministries, Post Office Box 824, Mound Bayou, MS 38762.
Please visit lakewoodfuneralhomes.com for online guestbook.
