Phyllis Harkins

Phyllis Beatrice Harkins

Phyllis Beatrice Harkins, daughter of Robert and Ethel Clay, was born on January 3, 1940, in Fresno, California, and passed away peacefully at her home in Fresno on June 18, 2026 at the age of 86.

A proud graduate of Edison High School's Class of 1958, Phyllis dedicated much of her life to serving others. Just out of High School, Phyllis worked for a time at Ma Bell. Beginning in the early 1970s, she worked as a teacher's aide at John Muir Elementary School, where she helped migrant children learn to speak English. Later, she worked for Gottschalks Department Store, first at its downtown Fresno location and later at the Clovis store, where she remained until her retirement.

Phyllis lived her life guided by a deep and abiding faith in God. She believed that kindness, compassion, and service to others were among life's greatest callings, and she demonstrated those values every day through both her words and her actions. Whether helping a struggling student, encouraging a friend, supporting a family member, or simply offering a warm smile to a stranger, she had a remarkable ability to make people feel seen, valued, and loved.

Those who knew Phyllis will remember her gentle spirit, unwavering strength, and generous heart. Her faith carried her through life's joys and challenges and served as an example to those around her. The countless lives she touched through her kindness, patience, and quiet acts of generosity stand as a lasting testament to the woman she was. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the many people she inspired, encouraged, and loved throughout her life.

She is survived by her children, David Harkins of Eldridge, Missouri; Lori Harkins of Fresno, California; Roberta Harkins of Fresno, California; and Douglas Jackson of Fresno, California, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Eugene Harkins, whom she married on August 15, 1960; her parents, Robert and Ethel Clay; her brother, Leonard; and her sisters, Juanita, Loretta, and Clelia.

A Graveside service will be held in honor of Phyllis at Belmont Memorial Park, 201 North Teilman Avenue, Fresno, California, 93706, on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 10:00am. As we celebrate her life and mourn her passing, we encourage loved ones to share their memories and upload photos to Phyllis's memorial page. Each shared memory will help us remember not just that Phyllis passed, but that she lived, and that her life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.