Jana Vest Harrison

DOB: 12/11/78 - 45 yrs. old

At least three generations of Jana’s family have lived in Fluvanna their entire lives, mostly in the Wilmington area.  Jana has raised her family in the Bybee area.  

Jana’s parents, both now deceased, were institutions within Fluvanna.  Her mother, Gloria Vest, worked in the School Board office, became Deputy Treasurer of Fluvanna, and was a Director for Central Virginia Electric Coop for over 20 years.  Her father, George Vest, drove a Fluvanna school bus for 50 years, was an athletic bus driver, as well as worked in the Fluvanna School cafeteria.  Both parents served as volunteers with the Fluvanna Volunteer Rescue Squad for at least 43 years.  Gloria and George were a rescue squad team, Gloria being an Emergency Service Provider and George a rescue squad driver.  Many times, late into the night, Jana and her sister were carried to a neighbor or her great-grandmother’s home because her parents were responding to an emergency call.

Jana describes her childhood as wonderful, being family and community focused.  Jana went to six Fluvanna public schools, beginning with Palmyra Elementary School and graduating from Fluvanna High School.  She loved school and her teachers.  Being sports oriented, Jana played basketball, volleyball and ran track.   Jana recalls fondly Fluvanna County Days, held near the Carysbrook Gymnasium with games, vendors and rides

Following high school, Jana attended Virginia Community College for a short while, with no particular career in mind.  She married her high school sweetheart, Chad Harrison.  They have a son, Jalen who is 27 yrs. old and a daughter, Caelyn, 8 yrs. old.

Jana had a few short-lived jobs before working for State Farm Insurance for 24 years.  Most of her free time has been committed to family, especially her children.  With both her children, Jana has been a sports mom (basketball, baseball, football, softball and soccer).  Her family’s church, Evergreen Baptist Church (founded in 1888), also plays a central part of her life.  She is currently a dedicated member of the Music Ministry.

People would likely describe Jana as friendly, kind and dedicated to her family and friends.  She says she is a person who is trying to live her best life, a life pleasing to God and helping others.

Jana sat for her portrait 10 days after her mother’s funeral, honoring her mother by wearing the same dress she wore to her funeral.

Jana