Barbara Ellen Harmon

Norfolk - Barbara Ellen Harmon, 79, passed away on Sept. 9, 2013. Mrs. Harmon was born on Chincoteague Island, VA and resided in Norfolk most of her life. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Carl William (Bill) Harmon, Sr. and by their son, Carl William (Bill) Harmon, Jr., her parents, and all of her siblings.

Barbara was the only daughter born to the late Ralph James Bowden and Bertie Claudeen (Holloway) Bowden. She had three brothers, Norman, Nelson and Joe, all of whom served in different branches of the United States Military as did her husband, Bill. Before her retirement, Mrs. Harmon worked many years as the store manager for Tidewater Yacht Agency of Portsmouth, VA. “Mom” Harmon was a wonderful and loving mother not only to Bill and Mike but to a host of others with a particular fondness for those friendships formed while riding with “Ol Fart” astride his Harley even well into her 70’s.

Mrs. Harmon is survived by a son, Michael Tracy Harmon of Petersburg, VA; grandson Blair Harmon and great-grandson William Anthony Harmon of Oklahoma City, OK; a daughter-in-law, Janet Harmon of Raleigh, NC; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John Lee and Nancy Harmon of Chesapeake, VA and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013 at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Norview Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society via online http://donate.cancer.org or by mail to P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. Friends may offer condolences at www.smithandwilliamsnorfolk.com.

Can’t Stand This

(written by Janet Harmon in honor of my mother in-law, Barbara Harmon 1933 – 2013)

I can’t stand this, She said to her Mom and Dad,

There’s a whole other world beyond these Eastern Shores, just waiting to be had.

I can’t stand this, She said to Bill,

You’re a big ol flirt and a rascal at that,

But with you, is where my heart is at.

I can’t stand this, She said to the doctor,

As each baby boy was born

and one died

shortly after birth,

I can’t stand this, She cried

For Edward James Harmon, her first.

I can’t stand this, She said to Bill,

You can’t just go and leave me all alone,

I want to ride with you on that Harley,

At least til the boys come home.

I can’t stand this, She said to son Bill,

You’re my favorite,

I love you best!

How can it be in Carolina that you are meant to rest?

I can’t stand this, She said to son Mike

You’re my favorite,

I love you best!

How can it be in South Carolina that you are meant to rest?

I can’t stand this She said to Bill

You can’t just go and leave me all alone

Let’s have some fun

And ride that poker run.

I can’t stand this, She said to Mike

Twenty years is just too long without my Son,

Oh Lord, what have they done?

I can’t stand this, She said to me

Where is your husband, my son?

Why oh why, has God let this be done?

I can’t stand this, She said to her brothers,

First Nelson, then Norman and now you Joe,

You were the youngest of us, why did you have to go?

I can’t stand this, She said to Blair,

With your little boy I want to play,

He will never know his great grandmother

From oh so far away.

I can’t stand this, She said to Bill

You just can’t go and leave me all alone,

I know you’re sick, but you gotta get better;

For without you, the very heart and soul of me are gone.

I can’t stand this, She cried to GOD.

I Have Stood

Through all the trials you have sent

To you, I have returned

all those loved ones you have lent.

Even so, my life has still been an amazing ride,

but I know it is in Heaven,

That now I am meant to abide.

My “old fart” is there & wild Bill my boy,

and a Holy host of Harley riders have promised me a thrill,

So Lord,

Let this be your will.

Look after Mike and Blair and William

‘Cause you and I both know -- Those Harmon Boys

will need your care;

And tell them I’ll be standing,

just inside the gate

when they get here.