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Lea Harrison Obituary
Mrs. Harrison, 80, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 15, 2008 with family at her home in Charlotte, NC. She was born August 23, 1927 in Dublin, VA, daughter of the late Claude Cecil Akers and Beulah Gardner Akers.
Lea graduated from Pulaski High School and attended Radford College in Radford, VA. She was married to J. King Harrison, Jr., now deceased, of Pulaski, VA from 1948-1979. In 1952 they moved to Charlotte, where they raised their four children.
Lea was a long time member of Myers Park Baptist Church and active in church activities including serving as a deacon, President for many years of her Sunday School Class, and working with 'Rooms in the Inn' program. Her desire was to teach, work in her garden, visit with friends and continue to help those in need. She lived 48 years in her beloved home on Roswell Avenue where she enjoyed working in her garden and teaching numerous generations in the Charlotte community how to sew. She also worked as a sewing instructor at Queens University, and operated Roswell Interiors and the Roswell Inn Bed & Breakfast. She volunteered to help others, was a volunteer at Presbyterian Hospital for 20 years and taught residents to sew at the Florence Crittenton Home for over 30 years. Lea lived, taught, and shared her time with others through her belief 'Celebrate this day - it's all we got - it's a gift!'
Lea said that her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are 'the best gifts she has ever received.'
She is survived by her four children, Lucy Hummers and husband, Bill Hummers of Greenville, SC, Stella Harrison of Asheville, King Harrison III and wife, Kim Harrison, of Marietta, GA, and Jean Harrison and husband, Christopher Rogers, of Asheville; grandchildren, Ashleigh Hummers, Kathryn Boucher, Kristina Barrett, Holly Taft, Jessica Chambers, Brantley May, King Harrison IV, Lucas Rogers and Kyle Rogers; great grandchildren, Genevieve and Lily Boucher, Ben and Lucas Barrett, Claire, Amelia and Frances Taft. Lea is also survived by sisters Frieda Albano of Pulaski, VA, Genevieve Via of Tucson, AZ, and brothers, Saford Akers of Pulaski, VA, Clayton Akers of Key West, FL, Danny Akers of Pulaski, VA.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at the Myers Park Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Myers Park Baptist Church Mission Fund, 1900 Selwyn Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28207; Urban Ministry Center, 935 N. College St, Charlotte, NC 28206; or Florence Crittenton Services, 1300 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203.
Harry & Bryant Company is assisting the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lea Harrison
Genevieve Barnhart
June 7, 2024
How dear a woman! I remember many times aftet a stirring sermon at MPBC, Lea would hosr a luncheon at her beautiful home. Gene Owens would often be there, his booming voice quietened for the smaller space, but no less animated. Bonnie Cone loved her dear friend so, and was honored to join in, tell stories about the growth of `our´ institution, and just be part of a hometown gathering. Lea knew just how to put everyone at ease, making delicious meals, wonderful conversation including Charlotte history, and proudly sharing pictures of her family. She left a wonderful legacy.
Shannon Loring
April 28, 2008
Dear Harrison Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Ms. Lea's passing. I was a student of hers at Queens. She was a wonderful sewing teacher. Always patient and kind She was a beautiful woman, inside and out. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this time.
Cristen Bevilacqua
April 27, 2008
I am so sorrry for your loss. I will always remember Ms.Harrison. I was one of her nurses here on 5A at Presbyterian Hospital, and she was the epitomy of the exemplary patient. She was always willing to work hard, even when she wasn't feeling well. She was always grateful and appreciative, and all of the nurses here loved caring for her. She was a beautiful person, and if she was so loveable when she wasn't feeling her best, I can't imagine how she was on a good day! I'll never forget when she told me (when I was expecting) to "name the baby King! Nobody will ever forget his name!" Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ruth Cecil
April 25, 2008
I will forever see her in her garden. As she walked amongst it she talked of each flower as if it were her child, calling it by its name and telling of whom had given her this cutting or that seed. Always she wanted to share a plant or fern or a cutting she had rooted or she would dig up bulbs for you to take to your garden. In fact she lived her life as she tended and loved her garden, always working hard, always sharing and always smiling. My family was blessed by her grace. I wish I could tell her that the irises she gave me two years ago bloomed for the first time this past Saturday. They are in their full glory now just as Lea is. My deepest sympathy goes out to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will live on now in our hearts.
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Michael Miller
April 25, 2008
Hello Harrison family.
Just read about Lea.
Thinking of you all this day.
Michael
Nancy Goode
April 23, 2008
I loved Lea Harrison and her spirit. She could find something positive in everyone and every situation. She was such a good, giving person, always finding time for the students in her classes at Queens. What talent she inspired in others and what great friends she made. She will be missed.
Linda Marechal
April 23, 2008
I'm at a loss for words and my eyes are leaking (again)... Lea was truely a remarkable woman. I will miss her dearly.....and will keep her forever in my heart....
Suzy Wrenn
April 23, 2008
Stella, Lucy, Jean, and King, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. She certainly was wonderful person and I can't imagine how many people learned very valuable life lessons from her through her tireless efforts to the different ministries in which she was involved. And how many people she taught to sew! What I remember the most is her smile. Seems like she was always smiling when I saw her. You all were very blessed to have such a mother. And I know you will miss her. May the love and peace that comes from our Lord surround you during this time of grief and uplift you all.
Love,
Suzy Smith Wrenn
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