Darkness befell our family on January 4, 2021 when Valrie Elaine Harris left us. She was born in Jamaica, West Indies onAugust 2, 1954 into a wonderful Seventh Day Adventist family. She attended Newstead Primary School in the Parish of St. Mary. Some years later, she came to the United States with just her clothes on her back and resided in Miami, Florida. She had three young children and worked very hard to raise them. She was determined to make something great of herself and her young children. She accomplished that by working night and day as a Nurse Assistant. 

Valrie was an exemplary sister, mother, cousin, aunt, friend, and philanthropist. You could depend on her to provide for you, without expecting anything in return. She once told us that if she ever won the LOTTO, she would share it with all her family members. She was a very kind and caring person who understood hardships. She knew what it took to provide food, clothing and shelter for her children. When you approached Valrie with a situation, she knew how to listen to your needs. She was an empathetic person who read your mind, and heard the pain in your voice. Every year, Valrie would reach out to her family members and friends in Jamaica by sending them a “Christmas BONUS” as she called it. She was a successful, hardworking, single mother, and role model to her children and grandchildren. We all miss her!

Valrie loved to talk. She enjoyed a healthy laugh! Before we called her, we made sure to set aside hours devoted to her engaging conversations. We always called her from different parts of the United States. No matter where we called from, she was ready to give us that moment. Our conversations would go back in time talking about the good and bad times we had in Jamaica. In addition, our conversations would go on and on until our phones would be almost dead; and she would say, “Oh, oh, oh goodness, go! Go!” Then, the conversation would end with her saying, “BYE” with a friendly laugher. Sadly, we will never hear that hearty laughter again.

Valrie loved dancing to the Reggie Beats! Her favorite song was “Don’t Give Up” by Bob Marley. She looked forward to singing and dancing to Reggie songs on August 6 to celebrate the Jamaican Independence’s Day in Miami. Her birthday was also memorable to her. She celebrated it with greatness, vigor, and zest. 

Take a look at the flowers in front of you, especially the WHITE ROSES—those were Valrie’s favorite! She was particular about her roses. For example, she even taught her daughters how to cut the roses in her well-nurtured garden. Valrie also had a passion to collect Louis Vuitton purses; and these were the kinds of gifts that she gave to her daughters and granddaughters. Even her grandson got a Louis Vuitton backpack!

Valrie spent this past Christmas with her children and grandchildren fixing a Jamaican breakfast and opening presents. During this precious time together, it was shocking that she suddenly said to one of her daughters that she was not going to be around next Christmas. Her daughter did not want to hear that, and she responded, “Mummy please!’’ Unfortunately, Valrie’s spiritual intuition came to reality. This was one time that we wanted her to be wrong!

Valrie continued to live the best and most comfortable life she could. Each day, she made sure she took all her medications, followed her diet, and hoped for her heart to be strong again after recovering from a major heart surgery in 2019. God gave her the time to come closer to HIM, to ask for forgiveness, and ask for a “river flowing baptism.” She wanted this kind of baptism as she quoted the scripture about Jesus who was baptized by John the Baptist. But, on January 3, 2021, she was rushed to the hospital with shortness of breath. She fought for her life up until January 4, 2021, when she was called home by God! Now, there is no more pain—she is resting in perfect peace!

Valrie left behind her beautiful daughters (Nardia, Kenesha, and Kemelia); her grandchildren (Marshay, Shayonna, Shaonn Jr.,and baby girl Lyric). 

Valrie is also survived by her brother (Lynval Harris); sisters (Daphine Henry, Beverly Harris, Pauline Harris-Obiakor, and Paulette Andrews); brother-in laws (Dr. Festus Obiakor, and Paul Andrews); son-in law (Javon Campbell) sister-in laws (Agnes and Beatrice Harris); nephews (Adrian, Lyndsay, Julian, Damon, Shawn, Oran, Dalton, Gavin, and Charles); nieces (Belinda, Angela, Jiann, Kimberly,Valencie, Amanda, Gina, Kristen, and Alicia); and all her cousins and friends. Valrie had some incredible neighbors (Mr. and Mrs. Clark and Ms. Tiffany Finlayson). 

We learned a lot about life from Valrie. She firmly believed in living, laughing, and loving in all that she did. We can now console ourselves with this poem by her granddaughter Marshay Pender:

 Strength, is what she gave me
Guidance, is what she taught me
Love, is what she showed me
Good health, is what she wished me …
Her prayers, stuck with me
My angel, is watching over me
May she rest in everlasting peace
As her love lives on in me

A Public Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 17, 2021 from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, 6400 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood Florida 33024.   On Monday, January 18, 2021 a Religious Service at 11am at Northside SeventhDay  Adventist Church, 1769 NW 119th Street, Miami Florida 33167.  Burial will immediately follow at Hollywood Memorial Gardens North, 3001 North 72nd Avenue, Hollywood Florida  33024.

Please note modifications are in place regarding Visitation and Services due to the Coronavirus. Boyd-Panciera is following all local and state guidelines and is taking all the necessary precautions to ensure the safety and health of our families and staff to halt the spread of COVID-19.  Social Distancing and Face Masks are in effect.