Virginia Fern Harris, 93, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois passed away at 9:15 am on September 8, 2025 at Countryside Manor in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. She was born April 20, 1932 in Saline County, Illinois to the late Floyd Raymond Anderson and Bessie Gladys (Cardwell) Anderson. Fern married James Wendell Harris on November 10, 1950 at her parents’ home in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. They were happily married for over 74 years until James’ passing on January 28, 2025.

Fern is survived by her son, Devan “Dumpy” Harris and wife, Reta of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; daughter, Christine Harris of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; grandson Eric Harris and wife, Autumn of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; great-grandchildren Samantha, Alexis, Isabel, Mackynze and Colton Harris of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; sisters, Veta Lampert of South Wilmington, Illinois and Linda Hopson of Raleigh, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Fern was preceded in death by her sisters, Iva Guye, Louise Galleher, Nadine Selvidge, Mary Anderson all of Galatia, Illinois; Helen Neabuhr of Irvington, Illinois; Anna Mae Seidel of Belle Rive, Illinois; brothers, Henry Anderson and Leo Anderson of Galatia, Illinois, and Edsel Anderson of Joliet, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

Fern started working at the International Shoe Factory in Mt. Vernon, Illinois at 16 and worked there about 10 years. She then went to beauty school and became a beautician. She opened her own beauty salon in their home on Richview Road in Mt. Vernon, Illinois and operated the shop until she retired at 62.

Fern enjoyed traveling, spending time helping her kids and family members and would never pass up a shopping trip. She was known among family and friends for her fried chicken, chocolate and strawberry pies, and her quick wit and responses. She was definitely one of a kind and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Visitation will be held Sunday, September 14, 2025 from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm at Newell Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will begin at 1:30 pm with Pastor Jason Newell officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Virginia “Fern”‘s honor to Ebenezer Cemetery.

Call Newell Funeral Home at 618-246-0100 or visit newellfuneralhome.com for further information.