Josie (Fair) Harmon

September 9, 1948     ~     June 9, 2023

Josie was born on September 9, 1948, in Memphis, TN. She later moved to South Bend, Indiana where she grew up. She was aware of her necessity to know the Lord and received him as her personal savior and was baptized receiving the Holy Ghost shortly thereafter.

Josie understood early on that she had a love for children when she began working with the youth in the Sunshine Band at Emmanuel Church of Deliverance. While at Emmanuel she would also help with decorating for weddings, fashion shows, and taught craft classes. After graduating from James Whitcomb Riley High School in 1968, Josie accepted a job at Broadway Christian Parish Church (BCPC). Its mission to the community was to care for children, educate and build youth, and connect with other agencies like 4-H and YMCA. It was while working there that she accepted her calling to minister to children and minister she did. BCPC afforded her the opportunity to move to the Head Start Program and teach three and four year olds.

Josie met the love of her life, Wendel Harmon and on May 27, 1978, the two were joined in marriage. From that union, two sons were conceived, Roderick “Rod” and Cedric. Being a wife and mother brought her great joy. While her young sons were growing up, Josie started her own daycare home “Harmon’s Little Folks College,” where she served many families in the community. It was during those thriving years, she enrolled at IUSB to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education. Armed with practical experience and academic wisdom, Josie moved on to become the Director at Martin Daycare Center. Wherever she went, former students or parents of students always greeted her, and she spent time discussing their future endeavors. She later returned to work at another Head Start location.

Josie was very creative. Aside from her joy of teaching, rug making and sewing clothes or home fashions, her specialty was making floral arrangements. Many weddings in and out of town showcased floral arrangements she made. As the oldest of her siblings in South Bend, family reunions and parties hosted by her provided a great time of family, fun, and fellowship. Out of town family relied on her to give them information about family events. Nothing made Josie happier than her grandchildren. Each one of them brought her much joy. Whether the older ones were away in college, or the younger ones in primary grades, she was proud of each one’s accomplishments.

Josie transitioned from this realm into the loving arms of the Heavenly Father on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 9:40 a.m. She was 74 years old. She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Wendel “Roddy” Harmon of South Bend, IN and son, Cedric (Monica) Harmon of South Bend, IN, daughter, Kelli (Lehmon) Robinson of Tucker, GA, son, Jamal (Zuteur) of Lansing, IL. Her grandchildren; Kamryn Harris, of Tucker, GA, Joshua, Victorya, Jonathan, and Jordan Harmon of South Bend, IN, Jalen Williams of South Bend, IN and Jaylin Garner of South Bend, IN. Her brothers; Eddie Cole, Jr. of Chicago, IL, Albert Surrell Ligon, of South Bend, IN, Esker (Doris) Ligon, of Suwanee, GA, Ronnie (Ernestine) Ligon of South Bend, IN, sisters; Dollie Maria Ross, Indianapolis, IN, and JoAnn Lavell, Indianapolis, IN and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Jearlean and Izear Ligon, Edward Winston. Son, Roderick Harmon, brother, Johnnie James Fair and her lifelong friend, Iris Smith.

Josie's Homegoing Celebration will be held on Monday, June 19, 2023, at 1:00 pm EDT at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church, located at 101 North Adams Street, South Bend, Indiana, 46628.

06.14.2023 djb