Mary Josephine Harris

Mary Josephine “Joey” Proffitt Harris, 81, of Honolulu, Hawai’I, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. She was surrounded by family and her caregivers. She was born May 11, 1945, in Decatur, Illinois to Marjorie Helen (Smith) Proffitt and Jesse James Proffitt. She grew up in Mattoon, Illinois and graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in Special Education.

She spent some time as a special education teacher and then had a successful career in commercial real estate. She was the Managing Director with Tishman Midwest in Chicago. During that time, she met the love of her life, Randy Harris. They moved to Tokyo, Japan and were married in December of 1988. While living in Japan, she taught English to returning Japanese students. They lived in Tokyo and Hong Kong until 1995, with a move to Honolulu.

Community service was an important part of their lives. She was a major supporter of the Diamond Head Theatre in Honolulu and served on its board for many years. Her participation as the Director of the Board was integral to the construction of the new theatre building.

She was a beloved member of the American Red Cross family, where her compassion, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping others, left an extraordinary mark on the organization and communities they serve. Joey became a trailblazer for women leaders as a founding member of the Tiffany Circle for the American Red Cross of Hawai’i Chapter. Beyond Hawai’i, Joey served the Red Cross at both regional and national levels.

Joey and Randy traveled extensively, which was one of her joys. Other lifetime interests include decorating, flowers (especially orchids), gardening, watching sporting events, and fashion. Joey was known for her unmistakable sense of style. When she walked into a room or passed you on the street, people stopped and noticed her elegance and flair. She had a quote, “Wear the clothes, don’t let the clothes wear you.”

She cared deeply about people. She possessed a rare gift for making people feel welcomed, valued and appreciated. Her warmth, kindness, and genuine interest in others created lasting connections and touched the hearts of everyone who was fortunate enough to know her. Her true beauty came from within.

Joey grew up with a loving family and a lot of laughter. She knew how to make us laugh, and laughter was a part of her life, especially as she navigated Alzheimer’s disease. Her radiance and beauty, both inside and out, will remain in our hearts forever.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marjorie and Jesse Proffitt.

She is survived by her loving and caring husband, Randy A. Harris; loving siblings, Dan Proffitt, Jim Proffitt (Amy), David Proffitt (Genevieve), Sister Veronica Susan of Mary (Susie Proffitt), Dick Proffitt, Tom Proffitt (Annie), Patty Proffitt (Tom Foster); beloved daughters of Randy, Chelsea Brammer and Amy Fenske (Bill); beloved nieces and nephews, Patrick Proffitt, Jason Proffitt, Jessica Heying, Max Bryson, Johanna Donahue, Mike Proffitt, Liz Forsberg, Cori Proffitt, Chris Proffitt, John Proffitt, Mary Schrand, Caitlin Jacob, Laura Jane Proffitt, Sydney Foster, Jack Foster, and granddaughter Natalie Brammer; and many cousins, friends and in-laws.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Laniolu Hale, Anthony and Lani Defiesta, Nika, Inina, Cisa, St. Francis Hospice of Honolulu, especially Yvonne Lai, Decon Joel, and Ashley Au.

A celebration of life mass will be held on October 28th, 10:30am at St. Agustine Home for the Aged, Little Sisters of the Poor, 2345 West 86th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46260. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joey’s name can be made to Little Sisters of the Poor.

“Aloha”