Ruth Harrion

Ruth H. Harrion

Jackson

Ruth Helen (McElroy) Harrion was born October 14, 1946 in Jackson, Mississippi. She was the third youngest of nine siblings, Katie (Jesse) Veal of Jackson, MS who preceded her in death, Shirley McElroy of Akron, OH; Inetta (Joe) Hill of Madison, MS; Betty (Hoyett) Owens of Jackson, MS; Clarence "Sonny" Brittain, Robert (Edrena) McElroy; Charles "Dike" (Effie) Harper, Eddie (Mary) McElroy, James "Pete" (Mary) McElroy, born to the late Mr. and Mrs. QC (Lillie) McElroy. She confessed to Christ and united with Faith Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Mississippi. She later joined St. Luke Presbyterian Church USA under leadership of Rev. Dr. Theophilus King. She was a faithful member prior to her failing health.

At the age of 17, Helen married 19 year old Samuel Wade Harrion, Sr. in August 1964 who bore five children, Monica Harrion, Karla (David) Lewis, Pamela Harrion, Samuel Wade (Conswello) Harrion, Jr. and Melanie (Lewis) Johnson. Her husband Samuel Sr. preceded her in death at age of 26 years old. Helen found love again with Jerry Adams and bore her sixth child, Angela Harrion. Helen has lived in the Bel-Air Neighborhood for 50 years until her departure.

Helen was a well-known gifted painter, illustrator and graphic artist in Jackson. At age 12, she attended Art Classes at Jackson State University. At age 15, she painted her first painting which was motivated by the Civil Rights Movement. She left her creative professional mark as an Illustrative Fashion Artist at McRae's Department Store, Graphic Artist at WLBT-TV3, Commercial Artist at McCartney-Holman/Jitney Jungle Stores and Senior Graphic Artist at Bellsouth Yellow Pages where after 10 years she was forced in retirement for health reasons. She later joined Gail Pittman Designs as a Painter. She also designed logos for various businesses including first full body Jackson State Tiger logo for Jackson State University during the 1970s.

Helen dedicated her life to loving and taking care of her children and grandchildren. When visiting her, she would not let you leave her home empty-handed or hungry. She was a sweet, gentle, loving, caring mother and grandmother. Her legacy was of family love, artistic talent, and keeping to herself. She lived a simple life. She was beautiful inside and out. Helen was an avid reader who kept abreast on various educational, medical and biblical subjects. She was a strong-willed person and you could not pull the wool over her eyes. She taught her children how not to always believe what you hear, but to go and read it for yourselves. She had very a strong biblical perspective and sought out God's truth. She always kept pictures, notes, and other keepsakes of family members to remind her of events.

The Lord, with open arms, called Helen home July 15, 2014 to enter the gates of Heaven.

Helen leaves behind her six surviving children, Monica Harrion of Burbank, CA; Karla (David) Lewis of Terry, MS; Pamela Harrion of Vicksburg, MS; Samuel Wade (Conswello) Harrion, Jr. of Clinton, MS and Melanie (Lewis) Johnson of Mobile, AL. Her surviving grandchildren are Antoine (Kerry), Jade, Sam James, Sam Wade III, Iyana, Brooke, Ashley, Chandler, Madison, Savannah and Lewis III. She also leaves a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services will take place Saturday, July 19, 2014, at 11 a.m. at St. John's Missionary Baptist Church, 4895 Medgar Evers Boulevard, Jackson, MS. In lieu of flowers, a fund in Mrs. Harrion's name has been established. Donations may be made to www.harrionlaw.com