Shirley Harman

Shirley Ross Harman passed away unexpectedly and peacefully July 21, 2011 at Southlake Nursing and Rehab Center in the presence of family. Shirley was born in Cleveland, OH Nov 15, 1928 to Edward J. and Catherine A Ross. She attended Red Lion (PA) High and graduated from York (PA) Hospital School of Nursing in 1949. She was charge nurse at a Philadelphia rehabilitation facility until 1951. June 20, 1951 she married 2nd Lt. George L. Harman, recently graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. During George’s 19 years in the US Army, Shirley was able to serve at various public, private and military hospitals including Hope Haven Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville in the 1960’s. Upon George’s retirement in 1970, the family settled back in Jacksonville. Shirley became an active member of the Southside Saddle Club and coordinated the Friday Night activities for Western Pleasure arena. She also opened an antique shop in Bayard. She and George traveled the Southeast annually garnering inventory for clients and her shop. When the Jaguars entered the NFL in 1995, they became season ticket holders and remain so to present. In 1998, Shirley, aka “Granny Jaguar”, was selected by Visa for the Visa Hall of Fans at the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. Shirley was enshrined in January 1999 along with fans from each NFL team. She had a deep love of classical music and opera.

Shirley is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, George; son, Lawrence; daughters, Christine Kemper (Bob) and Patricia Harman (Sam Granger); grandchildren, Jason Harman and Julie Mathers (Ben Brathwaite); and great-grandchildren, Max, Isabeau and Saraphie Brathwaite. She is predeceased by a son, David George, and a daughter, Christine Ann.

The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, July 25th in the Chapel of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin with Visitation beginning at 10:30am. Interment will follow in Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218. Memorial Contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org.