Janet Amelia (Boyd) Harris

Janet Amelia (Boyd) Harris was born on March 25, 1957, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of the late William A. and Mary E. (Jerman) Boyd. She departed this life on April 27, 2017, at Kent General Hospital, surrounded by her family.

Janet was baptized at an early age at Cooks Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Warren Plains, North Carolina, where she remained a member until her death.  She looked forward to returning for Homecoming every year and the annual family gathering that her brother Bill and she organized.

She spent her summers as a young child in her parent’s hometown of Warren County, NC, with her parents, grandparents and extended family.

Her cousin Karen (Kay) and she grew up like sisters; initially living together and then living only a block apart in West Philly. They danced at the Joan Myers Dance School together for 10 years, focusing on Ballet, Tap and Jazz.

She was educated in the public schools of Philadelphia, PA, graduating from Overbrook High in 1975. She continued her education, first following her mother and her cousins to North Carolina Central University and eventually completing her Bachelor of Science, General Studies, at Wilmington University.

Janet enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1978. She served briefly and was honorably discharged.  Soon after, she married her childhood neighbor, Doyne L. Harris, whom she has known for 45 years. Early in their marriage, Janet’s fulltime job was being a military wife and mother; sometimes traveling with Doyne on his Tours of Duty, other times, staying back home to raise their young family. They eventually settled in Dover, DE. As the children got older, Jan worked odd jobs. She eventually began a career with Verizon, becoming an Enhanced Team Coordinator. She worked for them for 20 years, retiring in 2015.

The job Janet took the most pride in, was being mother to her four children and “Mom-Mom” to her eight grandchildren.  Janet was a disciplinarian who believed in allowing her children to find their way, with guidance, and learn from their mistakes. She provided opportunities for them to achieve anything they were willing to work for. One of her proudest moments was when her “Mini Me” Janay, graduated from college.

Janet was an advisor to all, young and old and there was nothing she wouldn’t do to lend a helping hand. Her house was always full with relatives, friends, her children’s friends and anyone who needed or wanted to stop by. She loved unconditionally; friends were made to feel like family.

She loved traveling, often times hitting the road driving to the beach, Maryland, or North Carolina just to name a few places.  Two of her most memorable trips, outside of her military travel, were to Anguilla with Bill and his wife, and to Southern California to help move her little cousins.

She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Doyne; her children, Doyne, II (Dione), Robert (Frances), Samuel and Janay, all of Dover; her brother William A. Boyd (DeLisa) of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Mia Nicole, Samirah Andrea, Cree Tamia, Justin Christian, Lyric Brielle, Bailey Dionna, Robert Thomas and Skylar Jordan; aunt, Sadie D. Jerman of Philadelphia, PA; brothers-in-law, James “Paige” Harris of Dover, DE; George “Ghulam” Harris (Shirley) of Philadelphia, PA; sisters-in-law, Theresa Harris of Horsham, PA, Ellen Harris of Mississippi; special niece, Penelope; and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She will be deeply missed by all those who loved her. 

Funeral Service Friday, May 5, 2017, 11 am at Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden-Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming, DE.  Friends may call beginning 2 hours prior.  Interment Sharon Hills Cemetery, Dover, Delaware.

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