Vertie Jean Harris, 82, of Sherwood, Arkansas, departed this life Monday, November 1, 2021. She was born October 5, 1939, in Wabbaseka, Arkansas, a daughter of the late Dock Patrick and Everlina (Stokes) Weaver. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Lenora “T” Morris and a brother, Abel Grandy. Vertie Jean relocated to North Little Rock with her family and settled in the Dixie Addition community as a small girl. She graduated from Scipio A Jones, an all-black high school, in 1957. She would later say her years at Jones High instilled in her resilience, tenacity, and the belief that one could succeed.
Jean (as everyone affectionately called her) met and married Albert Harris in 1967 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Resilience and tenacity would become the theme of her life. With four children and another on the way, she completed nursing school and began her career as a Registered Nurse at St. Vincent hospital. Jean quickly distinguished herself as a nurse becoming head nurse at the VA hospital, and later as Nursing Supervisor at the Deborah Heart and Lung Center in New Jersey. Jean believed in persevering to be your best, therefore after achieving the highest position as a nurse, she made the decision to return to school and completed her bachelor’s degree. “You can achieve anything you want in life if you are willing to work for it” was a mantra she lived and shared with her friends and family.
Jean obeyed the gospel at an early age at Dixie Church of Christ, under the leadership of Bro. Thaddeus Propps. She later placed membership with McAlmont Church of Christ, under the leadership of Bro. Lloyd Harris, where she remained until her death. Jean retired from the VA hospital after 40 years of service and opened a boutique, VJ’s Fashions on Main Street in downtown North Little Rock, AR. She began to take a more active role in the Scipio A. Jones Alumni Association serving in several roles including President for multiple terms.
Jean proudly served as a military wife, in which, she leaves to cherish her memory; her husband of 54 years, Albert Harris, Sr. of Sherwood, AR; her children, Michael Young (Dorothy) of North Little Rock; Harold Young (Karen) of Sherwood, AR; Donna Daniel (Carl Sr.) of North Little Rock, AR; Steven Young (Kimberly) of Sherwood, AR; Albert Harris, Jr. (Lisa) of Amarillo, Texas; 15 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren as well as a host of nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends.
