Phyllis Jean Harless

Phyllis Jean Harless passed away on July 19th, 2025. She is proceeded in death by her loving husband, Ronald Lee Harless; her mother and father, Calvin and Aileen Hurst; father and mother-in-law Paul and Ova Marie Harless; her dear brother-in-law James Moore; brothers, Benny and Danny Hurst; many aunts and uncles including Claude and Rita Newman who were so dear to her and very special friends including George and Lenore Jackson, LeeRoy and Louise Brown. Misty, Spike, and Belle; her beloved cats. 

She is survived by a daughter; Susan Brown, with husband and dear son-in-law Curtis Brown ,and son Jeff Harless. She had three grandchildren: Ryan, Daniel, and Rachel Brown; and one great granddaughter Sophia Richards. 

She was a member of Faith Christian Church where she served as a Sunday School Teacher and VBS Teacher shaping many young lives in their journey of learning of Jesus and his love. She also served as Church Treasurer for many years. 

Here is the rest of her story in her own words: 

“This is a short story about myself, Phyllis Jean Hurst Harless, born Feb, 24, 1946 to Calvin Benjamin Hurst and Ruby Aileen Covey Hurst married Feb, 4, 1945.  I was the oldest of four children, having one sister Merlie Lea; two brothers William Benjamin and Danny Calvin. Lived my early childhood till I was 12 years old in Pulaski, VA, then Mom and Dad moved to Cambria, VA. I started 8th grade in the fall of 1959 at Christiansburg High School. Met my future husband, Ronald Lee Harless at a sock hop in the spring of 1960, right before he graduated from High School. We dated, then he enlisted in the Army for 3 years and left for basic training Feb. 1961. We were married on Oct 7, 1961 in Sparta, NC. That same month he was deployed to Germany for 2 years. He returned Oct 1963 and was discharged Feb 1964. We lived many different places in Christiansburg.

In the fall of 1964, we were expecting our first born, Susan Gail, who was born March 2, 1965, our son, Jeffrey Lynn, was born May 3, 1968. In 1975 we started building our home and moved in Sept. 1975. My husband was working for Appalachian Power at that time. On Feb 25, 1977 he had a massive heart attack and died. This was a very difficult time for me and the children. With God’s help we have survived. I got a job at the local radio station in the office and worked there about 5 years. I worked at many medical offices and finally retired from Carilion on Feb. 24, 2012. Susan married Curtis A. Brown and they gave me 3 grandchildren; Ryan Christopher, Daniel Lee, and Rachel Nicole. Daniel gave me a great granddaughter, Sophia Renee born Oct 2, 2024. Have had many health problems, but with God’s help I am doing well.” 

I love my family so much and I have so many friends who care about me.  ”Written June 14, 2024; Phyllis H. Harless". 

The family will receive friends from 12-1pm, July 24th at Faith Christian Church, 305 3rd St. Christiansburg. The service will follow at 1pm at the church. Interment will be held at Sunset Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Horne Funeral Home. 

Flowers are welcome, as well as donations to Faith Christian Church.