Joan "Jo Jo" Phyllis Harris

Joan P. Harris, “Jo Jo”, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, at age 75. Jo Jo was born January 14, 1945 to Roy “Chuck” Chaney and Marian (Thimlar) Boger. She was blessed with three loving sisters, Judy, Jerry and Jeanne, and the incredible love and support of Ralph and Mable Thimlar. She graduated from Harlan High School in 1963 and married Pat Harris the same year on November 9. Together they had three daughters, Kimberly, Greta, and Nikki. In 1983, her first grandchild, Rhett arrived and eventually dubbed her Jo Jo. From then on, she focused her love and devotion on her seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. She met her life partner and best friend, Dan Bassett, aka “Gramps”, in 1985, and they spent 35 loving years together. Jo Jo had a huge heart for her entire family, becoming a ‘second mom’ to many (you know who you are).

Jo Jo held many jobs throughout her life, but she spent most of her time as a homemaker. She was a meticulous housekeeper, loved her garden, and was famous for her spaghetti, cheesy noodles and peas, pancake cake, brownies, pickled eggs, and much more. Jo Jo loved gambling and travel. She and Dan took vacations to Hawaii, Las Vegas, Reno, Grand Canyon and Graceland. She looked forward to her ladies’ bus trips to casinos, especially her annual trip with “her girls” (daughters and granddaughters.) Jo Jo loved Elvis, Coca-Cola and cigs (and maybe some Bacardi in the earlier years), her cats (the very pampered Scooter, Harley, Willy, and the stray Momma Cat and her kittens), and cars. Her latest prized possession was a T-bird convertible collectors’ edition, that we’re sure she drove through the pearly gates!

Though she experienced many trials, Jo Jo loved life! She always remained positive and constantly spread happiness to loved ones and strangers. She will be remembered as an incredibly hard worker and as a strong, independent (perhaps sassy) woman. She is survived by her life partner, Dan Bassett, daughters Greta (Dan) Boes, and Nikki (Blake) Hoeppner, son in law, Stan Eicher, and grandchildren, Rhett (Laura) Eicher, Austin Eicher, Raegan Eicher, Jordan Boes, Ashton Boes, Gray Hoeppner, Gage Hoeppner, and Thea Eicher. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Kimberly Eicher. Services will be held at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne on Sunday, March 1, 2020 with calling from 12 to 2pm, and service at 2pm. Memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne or Ronald McDonald House Charities.