Josephine Chavez-Harris

Josephine Chavez-Harris 

Died 2023 

Josephine Harris, born in Peralta, and a resident of Tomé, peacefully departed this life and went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Sept. 3, at the age of 76. 

She touched the hearts of all who knew her with her unwavering love, devotion, faith and cheerful demeanor. Josephine’s love for her family knew no bounds, especially for her husband of 42 years, Bennie Harris. She always said how handsome and sexy he was, and only Denzel Washington could be a close second place in a beauty contest. She would refer to themselves as “lovebirds,” and were so in love until the very end.  

She found joy in attending church, and fellowshipping with her many friends. She loved tending to her garden, nurturing her love for painting and drawing, playing music, feeding the birds and her cats and, most importantly, cherishing precious moments with her family and spoiling her adoring grandchildren. 

Above all else, she found peace and comfort in her personal relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her taste in music, from gospel to Motown, Barbra Streisand to Andrea Bocelli, reflected her vibrant spirit, and she shared her musical talents by singing, playing guitar, violin and mandolin. She also could play the harmonica, which was taught to her by her father, Beltran.  

Josephine was not only a devoted wife and mother but also a skilled typist with a talent for grammar. She worked as an assistant bookkeeper for Los Lunas Schools while still in high school, and at Sandia National Laboratories for more than 10 years.  

She left the workforce to home-school her three children, Samantha, Jesse and Joella. Later on, she offered freelance proofreading services for court reporters. She also contributed to a ladies’ Bible study group in Belen, where she led worship with her beautiful voice and guitar. She also was happy to sing and play guitar in leading worship at church. Josephine’s commitments extended beyond her family and faith; she lent her talents to choir instruction and Spanish classes at La Mesa, a private school in Rio Communities.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, Beltran and Emilia Chavez; and her brother, Bert Chavez. 

Josephine is survived by her beloved husband of 42 years, Bennie Harris; their loving children, Samantha Harris, beloved son and daughter-in-love, Jesse and Amber Harris, her beloved daughter and son-in-love, Joella and Homero Montoya; and five fantastic grandchildren, Silas and Bella Martinez, Guillermo and Gerardo Montoya, and Zoe Harris. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-love, Ida and Jim Beasley; her sister-in-love, Vicki Chavez; her godson RJ Benavidez; and wonderful nieces and nephews, Albert Chavez and Jeanette Steward, and Aaron and Ashley Beasley.  

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has shown love and support during this challenging time. Your acts of kindness, from words of encouragement, prayers, meals, yard work and errands run have provided solace and comfort to our grieving hearts, and we are profoundly thankful. The family is also incredibly grateful for the many nurses and doctors and especially Legacy Hospice for great care and above and beyond service. 

Friends and family are invited to join us in celebrating Josephine’s beautiful life at a visitation at 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 14, at Grace Fellowship, 3384 N.M. 47, Los Lunas, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m.  

Josephine will be laid to rest at Terrace Grove Cemetery in Belen. Pallbearers will include Bennie Harris, Jesse Harris, Jim Beasley, Aaron Beasley and Homero Montoya. Honorary pallbearers are Isham Harris and Silas Martinez.