Syanara D. Harris was born on June 22, 1979 in Fremont, Ohio to the late Andrea Pinskeyruffin and Kenneth Harris. She quickly became affectionately known as Corrie while living with her maternal family. She attended school in Fremont, OH as well as Vallejo, CA and graduated from Vallejo High School in 1997, where she was known simply as Sy. She surrounded herself with Chosen Family as she entered into the next phase of her life.

Her greatest joy, Drusilla Ruffin, came in 1998 and Sy became Mommy. She lived every moment of her life from that point on for her daughter. Caring for her, guiding her, and loving her. Sy smiled brightest when talking about Dru and how proud she was of her accomplishments. Through the years, Sy loved Dru's friends as her own kids.

In 2013, she took on the name Zen as one of the Three K.I.N.G.S., of Gamma Pi Sigma Fraternity, Inc., but this name clearly defined her approach to life - calm and steady. Her support for those she loved was unwavering. She did not give a second thought to traveling across the miles through snow storms, rain, and hail to sit as a calming presence and support. Her friends have called her their rock, their anchor, and their listening ear.

On December 23, 2016, she married Dr. Brandynicole Brooks-Harris and began her life as wife. She loved her wife and family with every fiber of her being. Working diligently to ensure they were cared for in word and action, even after death. From at-home date nights, to watching sunsets, to just being silly together, Brandynicole has never been loved the way Sy loved her - completely.

Sy dedicated herself to creating a life for her family. She spent time at Burger King, Captial One, National Vision, Delta Airlines, the National Counseling Group, and the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board. Sy's commitment to supporting others to see their greatness was evident in how she approached each career path and poured her heart into her work.

In 2020, the name, The Revolutionary, was bestowed upon her by Nu Tau Beta Fraternity, Inc. She quickly became a role model, listening ear, and Chosen Family to the NTB members and shared a bond like no other. She served as their Vice President reinvigorating her bruhs in her final days.

Forever the caregiver and parent, Sy became Bear to Aleighya Garner through permanent custody in 2020. She did not hesitate to open her heart and arms to Brandynicole's great niece and loved her as her own flesh and blood. She had more joy in her life.

In 2024, after completing her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 2019 and obtaining a Master of Social Work in 2021 and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice in 2023, Sy became known as Harris through her employment with the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board as a Mental Health Therapist in the Rappahannock Regional Jail. Each day, she poured into the lives of those who were facing insurmountable challenges with new ideas, complete commitment, and immeasurable compassion.

Sy was preceded in death by her mother, Andrea Pinskeyruffin, and dad, Thomas Ruffin.

Left to cherish her memories are her wife, Dr. Brandynicole Brooks-Harris, her daughter, Drusilla Ruffin (supported by Max and Katrina Young-Salter), and her kid, Aleighya Garner. She is also survived by her father, Kenneth Harris, grandmother, Joan Pinskey, aunts, Janelle, Lola, Toni, Cheryl, and Diana, and her brothers, Wulf Pitre, Daniel (Aileen) Ruffin, and Julius Ruffin. Sy has left an indelible mark on a host of cousins, friends, sisterfriends, and chosen family.

A memorial service will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM.