Elizabeth Betty Ann Coleman Harris, affectionately known as "Liz" to her family and friends, was born on January 17, 1949, to her loving parents, the late Ollie, Sr. and Melvinia Coleman. She was the youngest girl of 10 children.

Liz confessed her faith in Jesus Christ at an early age. She joined and was baptized at Brown Grove Baptist Church in Ashland, Virginia, under the leadership of the late Rev. M. W. Rainey.

Liz lived a life defined by service, faith, family, and an unwavering commitment to her community. From an early age, she discovered a passion for hairstyling as she lovingly cared for the hair of family and friends. While attending

John M. Gandy High School, she nurtured that passion by studying cosmetology before graduating in 1969. Following high school, Liz dedicated more than 16 years to working full-time at Holly Farms, later known as Tyson Foods. Even while maintaining a full-time career, she pursued her calling by styling hair from her kitchen at home and helping build her husband's growing business, Harris Disposal Service. Her children remembered her extraordinary ability to balance every responsibility with grace, coming home from work, preparing home-cooked meals, styling salon clients, answering business calls, and ensuring the family gathered around the table each evening for dinner.

In 1993, Liz fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening Liz Unisex Hair Salon on the same property where she raised her family. What began as a dream blossomed into a community staple.

Renowned for her signature press and curl style that lasted for weeks, she faithfully served the Historic Brown Grove Community with excellence, kindness, and professionalism for more than three decades. To Liz, hairstyling was never simply about beauty—it was about restoring confidence, uplifting spirits, and showing love. She often picked up clients who lacked transportation, visited nursing homes, and cared for those who were sick and shut in. She lived by the heartfelt motto, "Just because you don't feel good, doesn't mean you can't look good." Behind every hairstyle was a listening ear, a comforting word, a heartfelt prayer, and genuine compassion. She was more than a stylist; she was a trusted friend, counselor, and source of encouragement to countless people. Among the many highlights of her career was the honor of styling the hair of the late, legendary actress Diahann Carroll, who personally praised Liz for her exceptional work. In addition to owning her salon, Liz faithfully served for more than 20 years as the hairdresser for H.W. Dabney Funeral Home, helping families honor their loved ones with dignity and care.

However, Liz's greatest legacy originated not in her professional achievements, but in the life she led, demonstrating faith and love for others. A devoted lifelong member of the Historic Brown Grove Baptist Church, she faithfully lifted her voice in various choirs for more than 45 years, touching hearts with heartfelt renditions of her favorite songs, "Testimony" and "He's Working It Out" by Shirley Caesar. Her steadfast faith sustained her throughout her life and was evident in the kindness, generosity, and joy she shared with everyone she encountered.

Her home was a place where everyone felt welcome, a place filled with laughter, warm embraces, delicious meals, and unconditional love. She also had a special love for gardening and traveling the country in their motorhome with her husband and their beloved RV club, the Road Runners.

Liz also had a favorite sport - drag racing. The roar of the engines, the thrill of race day, and proudly supporting her husband's racing team, Killa Harris Motorsports, were among the things she always looked forward to. Even there, she made sure everyone was fed, even fans & onlookers who came to take pictures or talk racing. Even in their house on wheels, she was the ultimate hostess. No one ever left hungry."

Liz leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond the salon chair. Her life was a beautiful reflection of servant leadership, steadfast faith, selfless love, and quiet strength. She enriched the lives of everyone who knew her and leaves an enduring imprint on her family, her church, the Brown Grove Community, and all who were blessed to experience her kindness.

She volunteered with the Brown Grove Preservation Group to help tornado survivors in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, where she cooked for the team and distributed supplies to families affected by the disaster. Her empathy and dedication to service demonstrated a benevolent spirit that extended beyond her community, supporting others during a period of hardship.

She shared 57 beautiful years of marriage with her high school sweetheart, McKinley Harris, or, as she called him, "Kinley". Together, they built a loving family centered on faith and togetherness. She treasured her three devoted daughters, Kimberlyn Washington (Jonathan, Sr.), Bonnica Cotman (Larry, Jr.), and Renada Harris; six grandchildren, Jonathan Jr., Kymani, and Josiah Washington, Daric, Paris, and London Cotman; and three great-grandchildren, Zhari, Brylin, and Christopher, all of whom lovingly knew her as "Mema." Also surviving are her brothers, Oliver (Phyllis) and Edward Coleman, Sr. (Ruth Ann); and sisters, Annie Terrell and Marie Johnson. In addition to her family, Liz had a special bond with her beloved dog, Pepper, whose companionship brought her so much joy and happiness.

Called home before her were her parents, Ollie Sr. and Melvinia Coleman; sister, Nannie Clinton; and brothers, Clyde, Ollie Jr., and Thomas Coleman.

Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the family she cherished, the community she faithfully served, and the love she so generously gave. Her life remains a testament to God's grace, hard work, compassion, and a heart devoted to serving others.

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