of Harrison, AR

December 29, 1927 - May 17, 2023

Veda Josephine Harness Mathis, age 95, of Harrison, passed away peacefully with her family by her side Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center. She was born December 29, 1927, in Carnegie, Oklahoma, one of eight children born to James Riley and Malinda Turney Harness.

A Southern Hills Missionary Baptist Church member for many years, she was saved at twelve in Searcy County. She married Clinton Eugene Mathis on April 22, 1950, at Prairie View Baptist Church. She graduated from Bellefonte High School, where she played basketball and worked at the Lindsey Hotel. She was a secretary for Caterpillar Tractor and the City of Harrison. She loved tending to her flowers, crocheting, and her best four-legged friend, Bitsy. She also loved to sing and loved to spend her free time attending singing conventions when her body was able. She was known for impersonating her Aunt Nora. She will be remembered for her beautiful bright red curly hair, pretty pink fingernails, her love for her family, but most importantly, for the legacy of faith that she left her family through her example.

Veda Jo was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her children, Kimmy Britt and Kevan Eugene Mathis; great-granddaughter, Ashley Harkrider; brothers, Earl Harness, Clifford Harness, Troy Harness, Roy Harness, Perry Harness, James Riley Harness Jr. and sister, Reva Harness.

She is survived by her great-grandchildren and spouses, Kimberly Mathis and Kayla (David) Mondy; her best friend, Jennie Fore, AKA The Package, AKA The John; and a host of nieces and nephews.

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalms 119:11


Visitation was Monday, May 22, 2023, at Southern Hills Baptist Church. The funeral service was held Tuesday at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home with Mel Harness and Chris Adams officiating.

The interment was in Maplewood Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Tim Harness, Craig Harness, Danny Harness, Gary Harness, Bill Fore, Luke Adams, Jacob Little, and Mark Ramer.

Honorary pallbearers were her nieces, nephews, and the staff of Newton County Nursing Home.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Christeson Funeral Home
519 North Spring Street
Harrison, AR  72601
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com