Sarah Jane Cornett Harris was called home to her Saviour's side on March 6, 2023. She arrived into this world on November 18, 1936 in Cincinnati, OH to James A and Sarah E (Caudill) Cornett. Sarah was the youngest of 10 children. She is survived by her brother, David (Genevieve) Cornett. Also left to cherish her memory are her children, Joel Harris, Steven (Peggy) Harris, Esther (Hugh) Talley, Beth (Rob) Bousfield, along with 14 grandchildren: Sarah (Matt) Reed, Simon (Autumn) Harris, Ezra (Hannah) Harris, Abigail (James) Bishop, Anna (Malachi) Cross, Melissa (Matt) Watson, Jennifer Talley, Amanda Talley, Scott Talley, Lee Bousfield, Luke Bousfield, Adon Harris, Micah Harris and Daniel (Amy) Harris, 8 great grandchildren; Izabell Harris, Emmyt Reed, Maggie Reed, Honor Harris, Shield Harris, Buchanan Bishop, Maverick Bishop and Magnum Harris, and numerous nieces and nephews. Sarah enjoyed her extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Ward Harris, Jr. her son, Philip (Mala) Harris, a granddaughter, Bethany Harris, three sisters; Doris Gene Cornett, Dolores Elizabeth Lehr and Dixie Eloise Bevan, five brothers; Delmar Newton Cornett, Dallas Lee Cornett, Harry Deforest Cornett, James Darrel Cornett and Dale Richard Cornett.

Sarah Jane was raised in a loving home and came to faith in Jesus Christ as a young adult. While attending a missionary conference at her home church, First Baptist of Blanchester, OH, she was introduced to missionary Ward Harris who was reporting on his work in the Central African Republic (CAR). She and Ward were married on January 28,1962 and after a year of language study in Paris, France reported for service to the CAR.

Having graduated from Wilmington Teachers College in Wilmington, OH, she had a lifetime love of teaching and learning, especially devoted to teaching multitudes to read and discover Gods' word for themselves. After their service in the CAR concluded, they became missionaries to Calvary Baptist in Moncton, New Brunswick Canada. Truly she embodied her and Ward's lifetime motto, "Making Christ known at home and abroad".

Sarah had surrendered herself to serve God as He wished. By joining Ward in ministry she knew it would be a life of sacrifice and would require courage. She left Blanchester as a young woman of 26 to move to Africa, far from her family and comforts of home. She lived in a remote area of an undeveloped country, gave birth and raised her children without regular medical care, often alone as Ward traveled to even more remote villages. Communication between her and her stateside family was unpredictable. It is hard to communicate the difficulties and fears she faced.

Sarah was instrumental in developing curriculum for children and adult Sunday School, and translating material into the national language (Sango).

They retired from active missionary status in 1992 to begin supporting their local church. Ward built them a lovely home in Apple Valley, OH which allowed for precious time reunited with her sisters, brothers and extended family. They were pleased to host many friends from supporting churches in their home. She also enjoyed speaking to ladies' groups, providing special music at banquets and church and serving as needed. This was a precious time for them.

In their later years, they moved to Kansas to be near Esther and her family who provided Ward and Sarah with loving care and devoted attention. After Ward's passing in December 2020, Esther provided full-time care to Sarah, comforting her through a long and difficult illness.

Sarah served with faithfulness, joy and courage, often in dangerous and difficult circumstances trusting Christ despite fear, pain and loss. She will be missed.

Friends will be received from 10 AM to 11 AM on Saturday, March 18 at Cozaddale Baptist Temple, 10632 Eltzroth Rd., Goshen, OH, where services will begin at 11 AM on Saturday. Missionary Steve Harris officiating.

Interment, Goshen Cemetery, Goshen Township, OH.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Sarah Jane Harris to the Cozaddale Baptist Temple Worldwide Mission Fund, 10632 Eltzroth Rd., Goshen, OH 45122