Beverley (Wilson) Harris

Beverley Wilson Harris (84) passed away peacefully at her home on July 11, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. Beverley was born to Gordon Alexander Wilson and Hazel Viola Weiskotten on May 19, 1932 in Toronto, Canada. She received degree in Fashion from The New York Fashion Academy (NYFA) Traphagen School of Fashion in New York City. She later earned a degree in Computer Programming at Bryant & Stratton in Syracuse, New York. Beverley enjoyed spending summers during her childhood on her grandparent’s farm in Cobdon, Ontario. She often spoke of the fond memories she had enjoying the farm animals and eating fresh fruits and vegetables. She worked for the Canadian Government during the 1950’s as a Flight Computer for the RCAF. Beverley was a seamstress and designer known for her beautiful wedding gowns in New York and Miami. Beverley had a love of learning and was constantly learning new things. She liked to be efficient and do everything correctly but in the least amount of time, without being wasteful. Throughout her life she sketched and designed items to invent. She was a very talented artist and loved painting in watercolor. If asked she would say she was an Artist, Seamstress, Designer and Inventor.
Beverley’s greatest joys were her two sons Peter and David. She raised her family in Skaneateles, NY. She valued independence of thought, personal investigation of facts and a sense of humor. She gave unconditional support of her children. She raised her children to do the same.
She made a lifelong friend when she met Linda Gilmore. The two of them enjoyed many adventures in upstate New York where every weekend they would just get in the car and go. This ritual was part of a lifelong adventurous spirit, from moving out of her home with her mother on her 18th birthday to living in Toronto, Miami, and New York City.
Her favorite music was Jazz and later Rock. She was friends with Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong and could be found at the most popular jazz clubs in the 50’s in Quebec, Ontario and NYC. She even became a fan of Gun’s and Roses after attending a concert with her son, saying Axl Rose reminded her of some of the classic jazz voices of the past.
She was very involved in the communities where she lived through sewing guilds and many local art leagues. She enjoyed helping kids learn art in local schools and through other non-profit organizations.
She became very interested in genealogy and with the help of her cousin Gloria Phillips she traced her family’s descendants to the Mayflower, she was a decedent of Stephen Hopkins on her Mother’s side of the family.
Beverley retired and moved to Brownsville, Texas in 2004. She made many friends with whom she enjoyed travelling and socializing. These “Golden Girls†could be found eating and shopping in Mexico or celebrating a birthday. She joined an art group and would spend her days painting and learning about her fellow artists. Beverley was a good cook and enjoyed trying new recipes. She especially liked food from different cultures. One of her favorite days of the week was when her art group had pot luck. Ironically, the ladies would ask her (the Canadian) to make the enchiladas. This would always make her laugh.
Beverley is preceded in death by her husband Parker Harris, mother Hazel V. Weiskotten, and father Gordon A. Wilson.
Left to cherish her memory is Peter (Elizabeth) Harris, grandchildren Emily & Parker Harris of Brownsville, TX and David (Vicky) Harris, grandchildren Wells & Caleb Harris of Farmington, CT and Gaby her house cat. Gaby was her current pet and one of a long line of pets throughout her lifetime. She had a great love for all animals, especially cats and dogs.
Thank you for the loving care given by Valley Angels Home Health Care, especially Sam & Gracie Chong, Yoli Altamirano, Amada Regalado. Texas Oncology, Dr. Sharma and staff as well as Dr. Orlowski of MD Anderson in Houston, Texas. A warm thank you to her caregiver Alma Flores.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 15th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Old City Cemetery Center, 1004 E. Sixth Street, Brownsville, Texas 78520, 956.541.1167
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Beverley Harris Memorial Fund for the Arts at http://sja.us/donate/