Maxine E. L. Harrison

On Sept. 19, 2010, God called home one of his angels, Mrs. Maxine Elizabeth Lee Harrison, of 4340 Bridle Path Court, Tucker, Ga.

Maxine Elizabeth was born June 8, 1937, to the late Andrew and Lula Lee in Petersburg, Va. Maxine married the late Willie N. Harrison and from this union their only daughter was born, Monica Lynn.

Baptized at the age of 12 by the former pastor, the late Dr. L.C. Johnson, Maxine remained a faithful member of the Mount Olivet Baptist Church until she relocated to Tucker, Ga., in 1998 to be with her daughter and grandchildren. Maxine graduated from Peabody High School and continued her education at Virginia State College (University).

She was employed at Stewart Luggage and was the director of the Gillfield Baptist Church Daycare for a number of years. After working for Gillfield's Daycare Center, Maxine continued her love of working with children and was employed at the Southside Regional Training Center Educational Department until she retired.

Maxine also sang professionally with her brother, the Rev. Vernon "Billy" Lee, with the gospel group called "The Great Gates" for a number of years.

Maxine leaves to celebrate her life, a devoted daughter, Monica L. Granderson; two grandaughters, Chadé and Jaire Granderson; three sisters, Frances M. Johnson, Lucille L. Cook and Clarice Johnson; two brothers, James O. Lee (Frances) and the Rev. Dr. Vernon S. Lee (Cecilia); three sisters-in-law, Jean Barner, Lucy Sellers and Lona Hepburn; and one brother-in-law, James Arlie Harrison Sr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Maxine was a true inspiration to all that knew her. She always demonstrated a calm spirit, and had a listening ear to her family and friends. Some of you might know her as "Maxine" or "Dean" while some of you may call her "Sister," "Auntie" or friend, but we know her as "Mom," "Gant" and "MS"! Whatever special title you called her, just know that Maxine Elizabeth Lee Harrison knew the Lord and left a legacy of love in each life she knew and touched.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 24, 2010, at the Mount Olivet Baptist Church, 800 Augusta Ave., Petersburg, Va.; the Rev. Dr. Wesley K. McLaughlin, pastor, and the Rev. Dr. Grady W. Powell Sr., eulogist. Interment to follow in Eastview Cemetery.

Honorary and active pallbearers are asked to assemble 10:30 a.m. at the church.

The family will assemble 10 a.m. the day of the service and receive friends at the residence of her sister, Frances Johnson, 2515 Pinehurst Drive, Petersburg, Va., and may be contacted at (804) 861-3066.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mrs. Harrison online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.