Submitted Photo.Bob and Annabelle Harris in Crawford, Ga. while being engaged.

VALDOSTA — A former Valdosta Daily Times columnist passed away after a battle with cancer. 

Annabelle “Ann” Harris, 85, died early Sunday while a patient at the Langdale Hospice House, confirmed hospice staff members.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 and liver cancer last August, said Bob Harris, her husband. He said the cancer had spread to her brain.

The Harris’ were married for 64 years after being wed Dec. 26, 1954. Bob Harris said he loved his wife since he was 8 years old. The two grew up in Northeast Georgia.

“I saw a little girl – I was so young – and she was barefooted with pig tails, and I fell puppy dog in love with her,” he said.

After asking around, he learned her name and found out they were in the same grade.

After graduating in the same class in 1950, they began spending time with one another while Bob Harris was serving in the U.S. Air Force.

“We were the best of buddies, best friends,” he said. “She was my sweetheart, but I was just a good friend.”

After moving to Valdosta in April 1970, Annabelle Harris worked for a psychiatrist on North Patterson Street for 24 years prior to her retirement in 1994, her husband said.

Some time ago, she maintained a weekly human-interest column, “Hahira Happenings,” for the Times for several years, Bob Harris said.

When the couple relocated to Hahira, longtime friend Rose Adams said Annabelle Harris was heavily involved in her community.

“Ann was very outgoing, vivacious; just full of energy,” Adams said. “She could just never, never do enough to help people who were physically in need, spiritually in need. She was just a wonderful friend.”

Adams said Annabelle Harris was a Hahira Historical Society member, member of the Take Off Pounds Sensibly Club and a leading member of Supporting Together a Renewed Spirit.

She was also involved in her church, Bethany Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school. Adams enjoyed walking and biking with her friend.

With the death of his wife, an emotional Bob Harris said he is still trying to get used to the idea of her not being around.

“I always thought I would go before. She was just always so strong and healthy,” he said. “I’m still trying to cope with the fact that the girl I loved so long is dead. I had a hard time realizing that.”

Prior to her passing, he would stay with his wife around the clock, he said.

“I still thought she (would) be okay, then I suddenly, over a period (of time), realized she was dying,” he said. “It’s been a tough road, but we had a good trip. It’s been long wonderful years.”

The two had three children: Susan Tyler, Janet Register and Stephen Harris. They had seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

“I lost my best friend, and my companion, and my sweetheart forever,” he said.

Amanda M. Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.