Joan Louise Walsh Harris

Joan was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey on October 5, 1929 to George Russell Walsh and Ruth Mathis Walsh. As the youngest of two children, the athletic and fun-loving Joan spent much time walking her dogs, as well as playing with friends in the ocean or on the beach, just a block from her home. As a teen during World War II, she volunteered at the local military hospital. She and her sister Phyllis would visit with the wounded soldiers, take them on "wheelchair walks" along the nearby Atlantic City boardwalk, and play card games with them. Joan and Phyllis even loaned their two Dalmatians for use as military service dogs. In later years, Joan often endured good-natured ribbing for recalling her walks to and from school in the snow, uphill, both ways. She moved to Camden, New Jersey for a short time following high school where she ran a sandwich shop across the street from the Campbell's Soup factory. While at the local roller-skating rink, she met James "Corky" Harris, a friend of her then boyfriend. Both seamen were stationed at the naval base in Atlantic City. Unfortunately for his buddy, while Corky was supposed to "keep an eye" on his girl, Joan and Corky fell for each other. It is not surprising that Joan caught Corky's eye, as she was as pretty as any pin-up girl of the WWII era. Corky would continue to keep his eye on Joan for well over 7 decades! Joan and Corky came to Dallas while on a short leave and were married on July 6, 1949 at the Irwindell Methodist Church in Oak Cliff. Several months later, they returned to Oak Cliff, where they made their home for over 72 years.

Joan gave birth to Phil in 1950, Kathy in 1952, and Debbie in 1956. She stayed home while her children were very young, then joined Corky to help run Corky's Lawnmower & Small Engine Repair, located near Hampton Road and Clarendon Drive in Oak Cliff. They were true partners in life gaining lifelong friends in all their activities including the car racing community, as emergency first aid responders with the Big "D" First Aid Squad, as horse and mule owners, as regular attendees of the Garland Opry, and later as part of weekly "Therapy Thursday" nights. They served with the Oak Cliff Lions Club for over 40 years. As a Lion, Joan was very proud of the many foreign exchange "campers" that they hosted, staying in touch with them throughout the years. She was proud to be able to cook for the cast and crew during Lions' Extravaganza Shows. In addition to their shared interests, Joan had a special place in her heart for dogs, raising German Shepherds for many years. She became an accomplished dog trainer, and volunteered many hours to help owners with their pets. Even if it was behind the scenes, Joan was always a hard worker. She was a people person in the truest sense. Joan was the faithful "old school" friend who stayed in touch by phone, in person, or even with handwritten letters. And if she REALLY cared about you, she would pull from her infamous purse a few coupons, a newspaper article, or a photo she had saved just for you.

Joan and Corky stayed very active, even until the tragic car accident on June 11, 2022 that took Corky's life. She still cooked three meals a day, did their laundry, and enjoyed grocery shopping. Joan never truly recovered from her injuries, the loss of her beloved husband, and the loss of the way of life they enjoyed together. She went to be with Corky, daughter Kathy, son-in-law Sam Abel, son-in-law Johnny Hill, and other family and friends on October 27, 2022. She is survived by son Phil (wife Darcy), daughter Debbie Hill, sister Phyllis Walsh, eleven grand-children, and a host of great-grands and great-great-grands. Family gatherings will never be the same without our sassy, funny, beloved Granny Grump.

Interment

You are invited to join the processional to the DFW National Cemetery leaving from the funeral home no later than 12:45 pm. It is necessary for all attendees of the interment to be in line at the cemetery by 1:00 pm. 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy., Dallas, TX 75211

Memorial Gifts

In honor of Joan's concern and affection for our four-legged best friends, the family encourages tribute gifts in memory of Joan Louise Harris to any pet rescue, no-kill shelter or a canine related charity of your choosing. Or you may donate in her memory to the Oak Cliff Lions Club, PO Box 4445, Dallas, TX 75208

The family would love to express their gratitude for all tribute gifts made.

Please reach out to pharris0850@gmail.com or in c/o The Family of Joan Harris, 722 Woodcrest Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052