JANICE BURGESS HARSH
01/07/1947 - 11/03/2023
Janice Burgess Harsh died in Christ on November 3, 2023. She was born January 7, 1947, in Jackson, Tennessee to Doris Rogers Burgess and John Owen Burgess. Soon after, the family settled in her father’s hometown of Brownsville, Tennessee.
In 1965, Janice graduated from Haywood High School where she was a cheerleader, an active member of Young Life, and, as a senior, was crowned Miss Brownsville. Janice dearly loved her Brownsville girlfriends, most of whom she had known since kindergarten, and never missed their annual “girl’s trip” together.
After high school, Janice attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where she met her beloved husband of almost 54 years, George Westervelt “Westy” Harsh, Jr. They were married at Christ Episcopal Church on November 15th, 1969, in Brownsville, Tennessee.
Inspired by her desire to travel, Janice became a Delta Airlines flight attendant from 1967-1972 (27 being the mandatory retirement age) based in Chicago, Atlanta, and New Orleans. During this time, she traveled extensively in Europe and developed her passion for “antiquing”.
Janice and George started their family in Memphis, Tennessee, where she immersed herself into the community as a volunteer with the Brooks Art Museum League, the Memphis Symphony League, and as President of The Maternal Welfare League - an organization founded by her aunt during the depression, which was devoted to the education of young, indigent mothers and the health of their born and unborn babies. Janice was proud of her work at the City of Memphis, helping launch the “City Beautiful” initiative and, through her leadership, inspiring the people of Memphis in the beautification of their city and neighborhoods.
George’s work brought them to Houston, Texas, which became the permanent home of their Harsh family. Janice was a card genius, skilled at playing any game, an ardent reader, and a blessing to everyone. Over the next 37 years she combined her interests and her friends by playing in multiple bridge clubs and Mah Jong groups, by founding a Book Club, and by celebrating friends with the Birthday Club. She was a member of the Houston Junior Forum, where she spent years volunteering. She loved her job at Wallpapers-to-Go, decorating many homes and events. She loved playing tennis and golf, reading, crosswords, painting, writing, and being with her family. She adored her children and her grandchildren, cheering them on at every game and match.
Strong in her Christian faith, Janice truly exemplified Christ. She had the God given gift of encouragement, friends sought her wisdom, and her presence brought peace.
Janice was predeceased by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Owen Burgess and her brother, John Owen Burgess, Jr. She is survived by her husband, George Westervelt “Westy” Harsh, Jr., daughter, Caroline Harsh Bennett and husband, Kelly Burns Bennett, son, George Westervelt Harsh, III and wife Karen Diane Harsh, grandsons Dakota John Harsh, John Owen Bennett, and Kelly Westervelt Bennett all of Houston, Texas. She leaves a nephew, John Owen Burgess, III of Jackson, Tennessee and sister-in-law, Liz Hall Burgess of Memphis, Tennessee as well as several grand-nephews and many cousins.
Janice was a member of Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas, and a funeral service will be held there Monday, November 13 at 4:00 p.m., 11140 Greenbay St., Houston, Texas, 77024. Following the service, the family invites you to join them for a reception in the Fellowship Hall.