Video by Lewis Levine, Story by Justin Hall

The Midway-Riceboro Library hosted Joseph Harris Day this past Saturday. 

 It was an event to honor the passing of Joseph Harris who died on September 21, 2021. Mr. Harris was the Mayor of Riceboro as well as a teacher and a youth leader in the community.

 The program included remarks by elected officials such as Liberty County Commissioner Donald Lovette and Sandra Sheffield, the Liberty County Chairperson for the Board of Trustees. The event focused on Mr. Harris' many contributions to the library system in addition to the community of Liberty County itself.

 The speakers in attendance had high praise for Mr. Harris acknowledging his many efforts to improve Liberty County.

 In addition to Commissioner Lovette and Chairperson Sheffield, other distinguished names offered their sentiments regarding Mr. Harris at the ceremony. 

 Dr. Karen Bell, Executive Director for Keep Liberty Beautiful, remembers Mr. Harris as a gentleman, a scholar and a humanitarian. 

 "I was introduced to him with the Relay For Life American Cancer Society and he was a very instrumental member of the team," said Dr. Bell.

 She further went on to talk about his role as a teacher. "He was a school teacher and was able to go into his class and do different presentations for recycling, beautification and water conservation."

 Mrs. Sheffield was there in her capacity to present the proclamation in memory of Mr. Harris and she also recalled great memories of him.

 "He was a very jovial kind of person, but strictly business," said Mrs. Sheffield. "He stood strongly for what he believed in. We shared a lot of feelings about expectations for Liberty County and for the library. He had dreams for the library and things that he wanted to see us do, and the expansion has always been a plus." 

 Mrs. Sheffield also had a lot of high hopes for the community to remember his legacy and reputation. 

 "There was a lot of good in Mr. Harris, and I pray that the young people will see that gentleman that was in him and remember it,” she said.  

 During the ceremony, Commissioner Lovette held Mr. Harris in high regard as he spoke and he considered himself very fortunate and blessed to know Mr. Harris in his various capacities especially as the Mayor of Riceboro. 

 "He came in and wanted to get the job done," said Commissioner Lovette. "We appreciated Joe's giving back for the short time he was able to give back and we will never forget and we will call his name and he will definitely live in our hearts." 

 At the very end of the ceremony, Mr. Harris' mother, Priscilla was presented with the proclamation honoring her late son. Mrs. Harris spoke very highly of her son and was tremendously proud of his accomplishments and was very thankful for the honor. 

 "Thank you for honoring his work and the things that he did in the community," said Mrs. Harris. "He's always served even as a little boy, he's always served. He's had a servant's heart and it's been his calling in life to serve."

 Mrs. Harris concluded that her son simply wanted nothing less than the absolute best for his community.

 "He wanted the best for his community and he did his best."