June E. “Jaye” Harris, 1932-2020

June, affectionately known as “Jaye” was born Dec. 20, 1932, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Lawrence and Gertrude (Lutz) McDowell.

She was a 1950 graduate of South High School and studied science and mathematics at Kent State University. During her undergraduate years at Kent, she was an instructor of mammalian anatomy.

She worked in various fields of employment following college including statistical and market research analysis in Youngstown and Cleveland, private loan houses, chemical laboratories, actuarial work for insurance companies, accounting and office management procedures. Mrs. Harris also worked as an accountant and bookkeeper for her husband’s law firm, Lanz and Harris, as an assistant to the managing partner for the Manchester, Bennett, Powers and Ullman firm, as well as for the Ohio Turnpike Commission.

For Jaye, her true passion was painting, and she believed art was an act of communication. An impressionist artist, mostly using oils on canvas, Jaye received local and national awards for her paintings, many of which are included in top private and corporate collections in the United States, Canada, and abroad. In 1969, her work was made part of the permanent collection of the Butler Institute of American Art and in 1971 she was awarded first prize in oils at the Annual Area Show at the Butler.

Mrs. Harris loved sharing her passion, and over the years taught adult art classes at the Youngstown Jewish Community Center, children’s summer classes at the Butler Institute of American Art, private students, classes for Sunday school teachers, and she lectured to various fine arts associations throughout the area.

Mrs. Harris also enjoyed playing the piano and violin, attending the symphony, and was a longtime member of Christ Church Presbyterian. A resident of Ohio Living Park Vista since 1998, she and her husband were longtime supporters and donors to Park Vista, served in several leadership roles with the organization and were active with its Mahoning Valley Life Long Learning Institute.

Her husband, Atty. Jack C. Harris, whom she married in 1955, preceded her in death in 2004. In addition to her parents and husband, Jaye was also preceded in death by her brother, Robert McDowell.

A memorial service will be held at Park Vista Chapel for its residents. Private interment took place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Boardman.

Arrangements are by the Davis-Becker Funeral Home. Visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

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