WEST FRANKFORT – Cathy Lynn (Melvin) Harriss, 73, of West Frankfort, Illinois passed away February 11, 2023 at her home surrounded by her family.

Cathy was born on February 3, 1950 to James and Mazie (Davis) Melvin in the Herrin Hospital. She graduated from the Frankfort Community High School in 1968. She loved playing her clarinet in the FCHS Marching Redbird Band. She met her husband Mike in the 8th grade when she attended school in Du Quoin for only one year. She and Mike married on January 9, 1970. They just celebrated their 53rd anniversary. Together they had three children. Cathy loved to help others and always put everyone before herself. She volunteered at the food pantry for several years. Up until her death, she was still serving at the food pantry at her church, Whiteash Freewill Baptist. She lived for the Lord and always talked about what Heaven would look like when she walked through the pearly gates and onto the streets of gold.

She is survived by her husband Mike Harriss; three children Matt (Sarah) Harriss, Shane Harriss, and Terra (Stewart) Clark; grandchildren Kaelyn, Hayden, Trent, and Duke; three siblings Linda Jones, Cherri (Chuck) Baker, and Mike (Tina) Melvin; aunts; nieces; nephews; great-nieces; cousins; and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Ivan and Irene Davis; paternal grandparents Raymond and Kate Melvin; parents James and Mazie; in-laws Clem and Hellen Harrell; brother-in-law Bill D. Jones; son-in-law Daniel Payne; nephews Jimmy Melvin and Jeffrey Jones; several aunts, uncles, cousins, loved ones and dear friends.

Services will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at Union Funeral Home in West Frankfort at 11 a.m. with Pastor Andy Lee officiating. Interment will be in the East Fork Cemetery in West Frankfort. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to the Whiteash Freewill Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.