Laurie Alice Harness

She was the daughter of Dr. David R. Wall, a respected psychiatrist in Wichita, Kansas, and Alice Woodburn Wall, a proud 5th-generation resident of Wichita.

Laurie’s early years were shaped by her education in Wichita, where she graduated from Wichita East High School in 1963. Her academic journey continued at the University of Kansas, before she married Dave Harness, a fellow Wichita native, in 1966. Together, they relocated to Texas, where they raised two wonderful sons, JD and Joe. Laurie’s thirst for knowledge led her to return to school at the University of Texas at Dallas, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems in 1983, graduating Magna Cum Laude.

Laurie’s professional career as a Database Administrator spanned several decades, during which she made significant contributions in the Dallas area. Her work included positions at Perot Systems, EDS, the Superconducting Super Collider project, and The University of Texas at Dallas, where her expertise and dedication were highly valued.

Throughout her 35-year marriage to Dave, the couple shared countless adventures and a deep love for each other. Their travels were a highlight of their life together, with memorable Mediterranean cruises in 2000 and 2001. After Dave’s passing in 2002, Laurie continued her passion for exploring the world, visiting a remarkable array of destinations. Among the many places she traveled were Iceland, Egypt, the Galapagos Islands, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Australia, New Zealand, and numerous river cruises across Europe and Africa.

Laurie’s interests and talents were as diverse as her travels. A lifelong animal lover, she had a particular fondness for horses, especially in her younger years. She also gave a loving home to numerous rescue dogs and cats throughout her life, including Ernie, Sam, Chili, Lupe, Ramone, Sweetie, JoJo, and Lucy, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Laurie's creative side was evident in her artistic endeavors, including painting, glass blowing, and crafting beautiful birthday cards featuring her beloved dog, Sweet Eddie. She was a valued member of the Junior League of Dallas and the Dallas Ski Club, and she cherished her time playing Mahjong with friends.

Laurie is survived by her sister, Dudley Ann Kirk of Albuquerque, New Mexico; her brother, J. David Wall of Plano; her sons, JD Harness of Carrollton and Joe Harness of Keller; her daughters-in-law, Stacye and Ally; and her beloved grandchildren, Riley, Major, Noah, Joshua, Ethan, Christian, and Hannah. In Heaven, Laurie has been joyfully reunited with her granddaughter, Camryn.

In honor of Laurie’s love for animals, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her name to the SPCA of Texas at https://spca.org/support-us/give/donate-now/#/form.

A celebration of life for Laurie will be held Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home, 7990 President George Bush, Dallas, TX 75252, followed by a luncheon from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.