July 30, 1950 –

June 15, 2011

A memorial service for Gena S. Harkins, 60, of Bartow, Fla., formerly of Bainbridge, will be held Sunday, June 26, at 3 p.m. at the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, 205 E. Stanford St. in Bartow.

Mrs. Harkins was born Gena Sue Smith in Cairo, Ga., on July 30, 1950. She lost her battle with cancer on June 15, 2011. After graduation from Bainbridge High School in 1968, she began a career that spanned 33 years with the State of Florida in Tallahassee.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Verna E. Smith, her father, James W. Smith of Cairo, and her sister Nancy Horne of Iron City.

Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Paul Harkins of Bartow; her son, Will Harkins of Charlotte, N.C.; her sister, Sharon Brandon of Thomasville, Ga.,; and many nieces and nephews.

For those touched by knowing Gena, please know that she was at peace having realized that she fulfilled her wishes to be the best wife to Paul, mother to Will, and that she is held fast in God’s embrace. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Gena’s name, may do so to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure at http://www.info-komen.org/goto/GenaHarkins.

Whidden-McLean Funeral Home of Bartow, Fla. is in charge of the arrangements.