Olivia Jean Harness

Olivia Jean Harness, known as "Jean," was born on June 20, 1932, and grew up in Clinton, Ark. She was valedictorian of her high school graduating class and received her bachelors degree at Henderson State Teachers College. Later, she taught home economics and elementary education. Jean and Aubie Harness, also of Clinton, were married on July 5, 1955. They lived in California for 46 years, and raised a family of three girls in a comfortable house with a big backyard, where the piano was always being played, and friends were always welcome. Throughout the years, there were many vacations to Arkansas to visit family and dear friends. In 2000, Jean, Aubie, and their daughter Pam moved to Arkansas, and returned to their roots with a new chapter in life. Jean's strong Christian faith was an inspiration to many. She persevered through many long-suffered hardships with a heart for God that never wavered, and a radiant beauty that shined with the joy of knowing Jesus. She was always involved in service and fellowship in her church community. In the 1970's, she pioneered and directed a program for children and adults with developmental special needs at First Baptist Church in Santa Clara, Calif. She was a dedicated choir member and a life-long pianist with an extensive repertoire in church music. In the 1980's and 90's, she was the worship pianist for the Los Altos, Calif. chapter of Bible Study Fellowship. In recent years, she served as the church pianist at Pee Dee Baptist Church in Clinton. Jean enjoyed birthday lunches, playing bridge, hilarious telephone chats, and decorating for the holidays. She passed away in peace on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015. Jean was preceded in death by her husband Aubie Monroe Harness. She is survived by her daughters Sandra Leigh Flynn, Susan Ann Harness, and Pamela Jane Harness, son-in-law Mark Stephen Flynn, and grandchildren Lindsay Marie Flynn and Ryan Michael Flynn, as well as several nieces and nephews. A Visitation will be held on Monday, December 21, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home Chapel in Clinton, Ark. The Funeral Service will be on Tuesday, December 22, at 11 a.m. at Pee Dee Baptist Church, 2744 Highway 16 East, Clinton, Ark., 72031. Interment will follow at Pee Dee Cemetery. Memorials in Jean's name may be made to Van Buren County Special School, 3707 Highway 95 East, Clinton, Ark., 72031, or to Pee Dee Baptist Church (address above.) Funeral Arrangements are under the care and direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton, Ark. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton.