Jardell Harris “Bloat”

With profound sadness and loving hearts, we celebrate the life and legacy of Jardell L. “Bloat” Harris, who peacefully departed this life on September 4, 2026, at the age of 79. Born in Petersburg, Virginia, Jardell was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories.

Jardell was known for her vibrant personality and love of a good time. Often the life of the party, she brought laughter, joy, and an unforgettable presence wherever she went.

With a desire to further her education and pursue a career caring for others, Jardell attended nursing school and became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2003. Throughout her nursing career, she cared for residents at several nursing homes, dedicating many years to the care and well-being of others. She later continued her career at Petersburg Home for Ladies, where she served until her retirement in 2025.

Jardell was a devoted member of Mount Olivet Baptist Church, where she faithfully served on the Nursing Ministry. Through her faith and service, she continued to share her natural gift of caring for others beyond her professional nursing career.

Jardell was preceded in death by her mother, Myrtrice Ruffin; her father, Emmitt Wall; and her stepfather, Walter Ruffin.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Bilal Salim; her children, Natalie Wall and Ernest Harris; her granddaughters, Jameshia Wall and Yakirah Harris; and her great-granddaughter, Journee Tucker. She is also survived by her sisters, Jacqueline Carter (Nathaniel – deceased) of North Carolina and Phyllis “Peaches” Archer (Lawrence – deceased) of North Carolina; her brothers, Emmitt Wall of Maryland and Donald “Rack” Wall (Karen); her sister-in-law, Joan Dillard of New York; her adopted grandson, Lamar Traynham; her longtime friend, Jackie Stephenson; devoted friend, Melba Banks; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Jardell’s 79 years of life tell a story of faith, perseverance, service, love, and plenty of laughter. She showed through her journey that it is never too late to pursue a dream or begin a new chapter. Though her earthly journey has ended, her strength will be remembered, her love will be carried forward, and her legacy will live on through the generations that follow her.

Services will be held 12 Noon, Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Mount Olivet Baptist Church, 800 Augusta Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Herbert Holly II, Senior Pastor, and Rev. Dr. Wesley K. McLaughlin, eulogist. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6200294?fl=so&fe=fs