Jere Alston Harkness

December 17, 1946 – May 14, 2026 With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we announce the passing of Jere Lynn Alston Harkness, who left this world on May 14, 2026, at the age of 79. Born in Adams, Massachusetts, Jere was a beacon of love, creativity, and intelligence, whose warmth touched every life she encountered. Jere was the cherished daughter of the late Joe and Jean Alston, who instilled in her a love for learning and the arts. She graduated from Zephyrhills High School in 1964, and her passion for creativity led her to Florida State University, where she obtained a degree in Commercial Art in 1968. Her career began in the public school system as an art educator, where she inspired young minds with her passion and creativity. Jere's artistic journey continued as a commercial artist, and her entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly when she conceptualized and operated Picasso's restaurant in Tallahassee, Florida. Her love for design and her keen eye for beauty found expression in her independent work purchasing, designing, renovating, remodeling, and offering homes, turning each into a masterpiece. For Jere, life was a canvas of endless possibilities. Her intellectual curiosity was boundless, and she delighted in the continual pursuit of learning. An avid reader, she found solace and adventure within the pages of countless books. Her culinary skills were exceptional, and she relished the art of cooking, bringing joy and comfort to family and friends with her delicious creations. Jere's love extended beyond her human family to her beloved cats, who were constant companions on her life's journey. Jere's life was enriched by her love of travel, where she embraced new cultures and experiences with open arms. She was a woman of profound intelligence and creativity, qualities that were as evident in her professional endeavors as they were in her personal life. Her family was her heart's treasure. She was dearly loved and returned that love tenfold to her surviving husband of 35 years, John F. Harkness, her brother Jeff Alston and his wife Lois, and her numerous nephews and their wives Leland Wells Alston and Mary Katherine Alston, Ryan Wells Alston and Andrea Concettia Nall Alston, great-nieces Macy Knox Alston, Exa Jane Alston, nieces, nephews, and cousins Judy Alston, Tommy Alston, who will forever cherish her memory. Preceding Jere in death were her beloved parents and her son, Garrett McMillan Hughes, whom she missed dearly. Their reunion in the afterlife offers a gentle comfort to those who mourn her passing. Jere's legacy is one of love, creativity, and the indelible mark she left on the hearts of all who knew her. She was a woman who loved deeply, laughed heartily, and lived fully. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide those who had the privilege of knowing her. A celebration of Jere's life will be held in the coming weeks, where family and friends will gather to honor and remember the extraordinary woman she was. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Jere's memory to a local animal shelter or a charity of one's choice, reflecting her generous spirit and love for all living creatures. Jere Lynn Alston Harkness will be remembered for her boundless love, her artistic spirit, and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind. Her life was a testament to creativity, kindness, and the enduring power of love.