Within hours of Obama's visit, Josephine "Ann" Harris, who had been ill for some time, complained of fatigue and a tingling feeling. She was rushed to Akron General Medical Center, where she died about 11:15 am, according to the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office.
Her family members and beloved customers were saddened by her death, yet they were pleased she was first able to meet the president, Akron Beacon Journal reported.
"I'm sure this was her highlight," said Frankie Adkins, Harris' sister, who lives in Tulsa, Okla, and had heard about her sister's sudden death from family members.
"She loved Obama."
The president's campaign offered condolences to the Harris family.
Josephine "Ann" Harris of Copley Township died of natural causes late Friday morning, said forensic investigator Jason Grom, with the Summit County medical examiner's office. No autopsy was planned.
White House press secretary Jay Carney said Obama later called Harris' daughter Wilma Parsons from Air Force One to express "his sorrow and his condolences. It was a very sad event. He was honored to meet (Harris) this morning and passed on his feeling that the whole family is in his thoughts and prayers." PTI
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