Nancy Jane Harris

Nancy Jane Harris, 85, died March 19, 2020, at St. Mary's Health Center, Jefferson City, Mo. Nancy was born April 22, 1934, in Purcell, Okla. to John Wilson Daily Sr. and Mary Jane (nee Chick) Daily, who preceded her in death. Nancy married Harry Lewis Harris on September 1, 1956. After Harry's discharge from the United States Air Force, the couple settled in California, Mo. Harry preceded her in death on January 11, 2020. Nancy was well known in the California community for her seamstress skills, which won several awards from the Missouri State Fair, including multiple "Best in Show", painting, knitting, and baking. She made many wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, prom dresses, christening gowns, too numerous to count. Along with her best friend, Shirley Moore, Nancy created illustrated drawings for stories Shirley wrote that were published in the California Democrat. Nancy was self-taught in her talents. She was well-known to tell her children and others that if you can read, you can find it in a book somewhere, and learn to do it. She also volunteered for the American Cancer Society providing transportation services and making care pads, Cub Scout Den Mother, Brownie leader, as well as helping to deliver Meals On Wheels to shut-ins. Nancy worked for International Harvester as a bookkeeper until the company closed. She was a homemaker for several years, occasionally working at the California Democrat as a vacation replacement for the receptionist/bookkeeper, and returned to employment at first at M&M Sundries, then to the Minturn dress shop, and finally to the Family Shoe Store. In 1999, Nancy and Harry moved to Ashland, Mo., and lived there for 16 years to care for their grandson, Grant H. Hopwood, so he did not have to go to daycare while his parents worked. Nancy called it the best job she ever had. Nancy was a member of the United Methodist Church and was actively involved for several years with the women's group and could often be seen with the Annual Turkey Dinner and various events. She sang in the choir for several years and taught the adult Sunday school class. Nancy and Harry had three children who survive them: Cynthia "Kay" (Stephen) Small of Lexington, S.C., Harry Russell (Rusty) Harris of Springfield, Mo., and Caryn Sue (Mark) Hopwood of Ashland, Mo.; three grandsons, Eric Meyer of Ballwin, Mo., Bryce Meyer of Nashville, Tenn., Grant Hopwood of Ashland, Mo.; one granddaughter, Stephanie Small of St. Louis, Mo.; and three great-grandchildren, Luke Richard Meyer of Ballwin, Mo., Bailie Chamness of Ballwin, Mo., and Devi Staudt of St. Louis, Mo. She has multiple nieces and nephews. Their former son-in-law, Larry Meyer (Donna) resides in St. Louis, Mo. Nancy was the oldest of seven children: John Wilson Daily Jr. (deceased 2011), Deloris Grace Green of Fairland, Okla., James Arthur Daily, Spokane, Wash., Barbara Lavern Dyer of Cle Ellum, Wash., Jerry Floyd Daily of Covington, Wash., and Paul Ray Daily of Fountain, Colo. The family will hold a Celebration of Life combined service for both Nancy and Harry in the later spring. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that individuals may wish to consider contributing to the United Methodist Church, California, Mo., or the Sappington Cemetery, Clarksburg, Mo.