Obituary for Virginia Close Harris
Virginia C. Harris, daughter of Marcus Close Sr. and Annie Lee Close, was born February 23, 1961, in Bainbridge, Georgia. She departed her earthly life on Tuesday, November 21, 2017, at Bainbridge Memorial Hospital surrounded by family and her dear friend.
Virginia received her primary and secondary education through the Decatur County School System. She furthered her learning at Tallahassee Community College in Tallahassee, Florida.
Virginia accepted CHRIST as her SAVIOR at a very young age and became a member of Union Missionary Baptist Church. She remained faithful and committed to her church until her health began to fail.
Virginia dedicated her life to helping people with disabilities.
Virginia leaves to cherish her memories her loving parents, Marcus and Annie Lee Close Sr. of Bainbridge; three brothers: Allen (Janice) of Bainbridge, Marcus Jr. (Tondra) of Valdosta, Georgia, and Calvin (Mary) of Bainbridge; and one loving sister, Cynthia of Bainbridge; as well as a loving and devoted best friend, Sandra Douglas Nichols of Bainbridge. She also leaves her grandmother, Mother Ossie Close of Bainbridge; her loving godparents, Pastor David and First Lady Alberta Johnson of Leary, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles; several godchildren; a dear friend, Ricky Coachman of Donalsonville, Georgia; co-workers; and other friends.
Virginia Close Harris started out 22 years ago with a dream that all disabled individuals should have the same chance at a normal life as everyone else. Virginia became an advocate when she was stricken with MS (Muscular Sclerosis) while she was an energetic high schooler and a member of the BHS Lady Bearcats Basketball Team. While attending college and seeing just how little assistance there was for a disabled individual, Virginia began to look into getting more services in her hometown. She began obtaining resources which led to a job with the University of Georgia. In 1995, Virginia was given the chance to open a Center for Independent Living here in Bainbridge and became the Founder and Executive Director of BAIN (Bainbridge Advocacy Individual Network), Inc. She received recognition for her many accomplishments, such as the Advocate of the Year Award. Throughout her career, Virginia served on several boards, such as SILC (Statewide Independent Living Council), the Government Council on Developmental Disabilities, PHRASE, Inc. Housing, and Transportation, and the APRIL (Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living) Boards. With her beautiful personality and spirit, she made many friends along the way who will truly miss her presence.
BAIN, Inc. is Virginia Harris’ legacy that will continue to grow and assist our disabled community because of her dream, dedication and service. BAIN, Inc.’s Staff and Board give honor to our Founder Virginia Close Harris. She will sadly be missed from our lives.
Read More
Virginia received her primary and secondary education through the Decatur County School System. She furthered her learning at Tallahassee Community College in Tallahassee, Florida.
Virginia accepted CHRIST as her SAVIOR at a very young age and became a member of Union Missionary Baptist Church. She remained faithful and committed to her church until her health began to fail.
Virginia dedicated her life to helping people with disabilities.
Virginia leaves to cherish her memories her loving parents, Marcus and Annie Lee Close Sr. of Bainbridge; three brothers: Allen (Janice) of Bainbridge, Marcus Jr. (Tondra) of Valdosta, Georgia, and Calvin (Mary) of Bainbridge; and one loving sister, Cynthia of Bainbridge; as well as a loving and devoted best friend, Sandra Douglas Nichols of Bainbridge. She also leaves her grandmother, Mother Ossie Close of Bainbridge; her loving godparents, Pastor David and First Lady Alberta Johnson of Leary, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles; several godchildren; a dear friend, Ricky Coachman of Donalsonville, Georgia; co-workers; and other friends.
Virginia Close Harris started out 22 years ago with a dream that all disabled individuals should have the same chance at a normal life as everyone else. Virginia became an advocate when she was stricken with MS (Muscular Sclerosis) while she was an energetic high schooler and a member of the BHS Lady Bearcats Basketball Team. While attending college and seeing just how little assistance there was for a disabled individual, Virginia began to look into getting more services in her hometown. She began obtaining resources which led to a job with the University of Georgia. In 1995, Virginia was given the chance to open a Center for Independent Living here in Bainbridge and became the Founder and Executive Director of BAIN (Bainbridge Advocacy Individual Network), Inc. She received recognition for her many accomplishments, such as the Advocate of the Year Award. Throughout her career, Virginia served on several boards, such as SILC (Statewide Independent Living Council), the Government Council on Developmental Disabilities, PHRASE, Inc. Housing, and Transportation, and the APRIL (Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living) Boards. With her beautiful personality and spirit, she made many friends along the way who will truly miss her presence.
BAIN, Inc. is Virginia Harris’ legacy that will continue to grow and assist our disabled community because of her dream, dedication and service. BAIN, Inc.’s Staff and Board give honor to our Founder Virginia Close Harris. She will sadly be missed from our lives.
To plant a tree in memory of Virginia Close Harris, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Wednesday
29
Nov
2:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Bruton Mortuary
635 Bruton Street
Bainbridge, GA 39819
Service
Thursday
30
Nov
1:00 PM
Union Baptist Church
703 Martin St.
Bainbridge, GA 39819
Pastor David Johnson, Officiating
Cemetery Details
Location
Jonas Lobe Cemetery
1287 Carter St.
Bainbridge, GA 39819
Loading...