VaRue Coley Harris

She was so loved by all who knew her, and her light will continue to shine. VaRue lived a vibrant life, with grace and poise each step of the way. She lit up a room when she entered, with her beautiful smile, bright blue eyes and she was always dressed to the nines. She was smart and sophisticated, but her wisdom came from the joy she found in the simplicity of each day. VaRue’s joyful heart radiated from her as she cared so much for other people. She was a faithful and reliable friend and was a devoted wife and mother. VaRue’s unconditional love was unmatched, and she had a way of making those she loved feel priceless.

VaRue enjoyed water aerobics, playing cards, reading books, and traveling. She cherished her faith and was a member of The Heights Baptist Church for many years. VaRue loved flowers and arranging them; she even won awards for her talent and trained to be a judge at flower shows. What she really cherished was her time spent with friends and family, whether dining out, entertaining, cooking delicious banana bread or traveling, especially on a cruise ship.

VaRue was born on October 28, 1941, in Shamrock, Texas, to the late Rufus & L.C. (Young) Sweat. She grew up in Wellington, Texas and was a graduate of Wellington High School before attending Baylor University. VaRue relished her time away from farm life and enjoyed all that city living had to offer, as it was where she belonged. She spent a college summer at U.C. Boulder that would change her life forever, as she realized that she was meant to marry a man she had met when she was still in high school, James Coley. They began dating by correspondence and phone calls, but never lived near each other until they married in 1962. They made a home in Roswell, New Mexico until relocating to the DFW area. Their marriage was strong and a wonderful model of lasting love until James’ death after 54 years of marriage.

VaRue worked for several banks in the Plano area for many years, and broke the glass ceiling for women in banking when she worked at Pilgrim Bank in Mount Pleasant. Her hard work and dedication allowed for upward mobility and experience that she then passed on as a mentor and role model to others. VaRue was so committed to bettering herself personally and professionally that she went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from LeTourneau University in 1999. She was ahead of her time with technology and proved that if you dream it, you can achieve it. She relocated back to DFW following retirement and enjoyed her final years at The Tradition. In her nine years there, she made friends quickly and was considered a cherished resident. She met Ron Harris about 2 years ago in whom she found companionship and love again. Although VaRue will be greatly missed, she leaves a lasting legacy of devotion, determination, and strength and to all who loved and knew her.

VaRue was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Coley; and sister, Doris Barnett. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Harris; daughter and son-in-law, Crystal & Chris Williams; and brother and sister-in-law, Don & Diane Sweat.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2022 at 3:00pm at Ted Dickey West Funeral Home. The family requests that you dress in bright colors in honor of VaRue. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org, 4144 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, Texas 75204 or to the charity of your choice.