Judy Elaine Harris peacefully transitioned to her eternal rest in the presence of the LORD at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, Wednesday morning, April 22, 2020. Born October 6th, 1946 in Durham, North Carolina to Elaine and John Hunziker. She graduated from Watson Chapel High School in 1964, and years later after raising her son, began a new journey in education, earning her Bachelor of Arts in English Language from UAPB (1988), and the Masters in English Language from the University of Dallas in 1992, then served as a professor of English at El Centro College (Dallas, Texas), Oakland University (Rochester Hills, Michigan), Schoolcraft College (Livonia, Michigan), and Lone Star Community College (University Park & Tomball, Texas), from which she retired in 2011.
And while Judy was a committed mom and granny, faithfully praying for her son (Michael Battenfield, Highfill, Arkansas), daughter (Tracy Harris, Sterling Heights, Michigan), grandson (Anthony Fowlkes of Austin, Texas), and granddaughters (Anna & Selah Battenfield of Highfill, Arkansas), she was equally engaged in trying to make a difference in the lives of those around her, whether it be her church family (thank you Stoney Creek Church, Utica, Michigan), or the great cloud of friends she had accumulated. In fact, most who knew her, knew that once you were her friend, you were thought of as family. Quick to both love and forgive, she often gave far more of herself than she had to give, She also generously supported several causes dear to her heart including campaigns against drunk driving, the arts, and education.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Elaine Hunziker, and her husband of 26 years, her “Bubby” – William Robert Harris, the love of her life who she so longed to see again. In addition to her son, stepdaughter, and grandchildren, Judy is survived by her brother J. Emil Hunziker (San Antonio, TX).
But one more important truth about Judy, was her love for Jesus Christ as her very real and personal Savior. Indeed, it was this love for Christ that truly empowered her love for others.
A memorial service was held Saturday, May 9, 2020 at First Baptist Church, Cave Springs, Arkansas. A second memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 12 PM, with gathering at 11 AM at Stony Creek Church, Utica, Michigan.
