Steven (Stevie) Willard Harris

Your Life Gave Us Memories Too Beautiful to Forget

Steven (Stevie) Willard Harris, son of the late Charles Willard Harris and Anna Elizabeth Beavers Harris, peacefully passed on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Rockingham Memorial Hospital.  Stevie was born on December 15, 1959 at Arlington Hospital, Arlington, Virginia. He was preceded in death by brothers, Thomas, Donald (Eileen)and Phillip (Barbara) Harris and sisters Vernus Harris and Diane (Kenneth) Hamm. He is survived by: Sisters, Martha (David)Townsend of Madison, VA., Betty (Paul) Green of Florida, Charlotte (Russell)Taylor of North Dakota, Judy (Sonny)Simmons & Carolyn (Richard) Keaton of Culpeper, VA., Brenda (Stanley) Atkisson of Orange, VA., Brothers, David (Barbara) Harris of Front Royal, Va.  Albert Harris of Madison, VA and Jerry (Sharon)Harris of Catlett, VA. as well as many nieces/nephews and great nieces/nephews.

Stevie had spent the last 19 years between his homes in Madison, Va with sister Martha Townsend (David) or with niece Lorrie, and family Rodney, Keriann & Colton Ketterman and his home at Sunset Ridge in Penn Laird, Va.  He was blessed to have another “family” of caretakers and housemates at Sunset Ridge that loved him dearly. Going above and beyond to make sure he was happy and cared for, several included him within their own family circle/events as their own. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Teresa Shenk, Candice Shenk and Christopher Calhoun for their love and devotion, he truly adored all three of you and for that we will always be grateful. Also, special thanks to Crystal Kwolek, Joyce Williams and Joyce Lam for their care and communication over the years.

Since Stevie’s passing, it has been heartwarming to hear other’s stories of how he brightened their lives with his love and compassion for others. He truly was a perfect example of unconditional love and joy for life. His “I Love you, Honey” will always be a wonderful memory and a good reminder that we should tell those we love so, and often.

This quote sums him up well:

“Down syndrome: It doesn’t mean I’m down. It means I help people who are feeling down. My smiles are contagious. My laugh is medicine for the heart. My hugs are heavenly. My heart itself is pure gold.”

Stevie will be laid to rest with his constant companion Baby, and his sleep buddies, Monkey and Mickey on Saturday, October 2 at 10 am at Stonewall Memory Gardens, 12004 Lee Hwy, Manassas, VA with   a graveside service by sister Brenda’s good friend and Pastor Greg Payne. Pall Bearers will be Rodney Ketterman, Colton Ketterman, Matt Foor, Nicholas Harris, Michael Harris, and Rusty Pierce.

Flowers may be sent Stonewall Memory Gardens at 12004 Lee Highway, Manassas, VA 20109 beginning Friday 10/1 or please consider a memorial contribution to your favorite charity in his name.