Corinne "Co" Harrison

Corinne Christine "Co" Harrison passed away peacefully at The Gardens of Virginia Beach on December 18th, 2024, at the age of 93. She was preceded in death by her parents, Billy Albert Taylor and Helen Mae Tabit, her husband, Charles Glenn (Sonny) Harrison, her brother, Billie Jim Taylor, and her sister-in-law, Natalie Taylor.
"Co" was a lifelong resident of Norfolk, a proud graduate of Maury High School, and was a loving mom, mom-in-law, grandmom, aunt, and sister-in-law. She was an amazing dance teacher and considered her many, many students as her own children. After her son and daughter grew up, she taught dance at a neighborhood day school, Tiny Town. She enjoyed it so much, when it went up for sale she bought it, serving as the owner and overseer.
"Co's" love of dance started as a child. One of her favorite teachers was Evelyn Ott, the owner of Evelyn Ott School of Dance. "Co" seldom missed an opportunity to entertain on stage. From dance recitals, the Maury Minstrels, the USO, Norfolk Little Theater, Norfolk Parks and Recreation, to her many years at The Hurrah Players. She was extremely honored when Hugh Copeland rewarded her time at Hurrah by renaming her Saturday morning classes, "Co" Harrison's Babes on Broadway Class. The family wishes to thank Hugh and Lisa Wallace for their love, kindness, and support even after she stepped away from teaching several years ago. "Co's" favorite role was performing as The Hurrah Players Tap Dancing Mrs. Claus.
"Co" and her husband, Sonny, were married for 68 wonderful years. They were inseparable, enjoying camping with their children, trips to Hazelhurst, Georgia for the annual family reunion, road trips to most of the Civil War battlefields, weekend trips all over Virginia, and attending family sporting events. "Co" also loved boating on the local waterways. She was very proud that she was one of the few females who water skied on the Lafayette River as a teenager.
Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the loves of her life. The older ones were treated to many sleepovers and trips with her and Sonny. Grandma "Co" and Grandad Sonny were much loved by their family. We fondly remember the many backyard cookouts for the cousins, aunts, and uncles. We will miss the Christmas evening get togethers she hosted at her house for many years.
One of "Co's" favorite activities was working in her yard. She never tired of planting new plants and transplanting her many flowers. She had a close bond with her neighbors, Kay and Paul Reagan. We were comforted knowing that they kept an eye out for her as she grew older. "Co" particularly enjoyed Paul's amazing cooking.
"Co" is survived by her children, Christie Sykes (Richard) and Chuck Harrison (Peggy). Her grandchildren, Jeremy Sykes (Francesca), Justin Sykes (Elizabeth), Virginia Dukes (Adam), Ernie Austin (Lisa), Nathan Harrison, Justin Clark (Katie), Timothy Harrison, and Laura Goodman (Sean). Her great grandchildren, Giovanni Sykes, Gracie Austin, Issie Austin, Virginia Goodman, and Stella Goodman. Her brothers, Chuck Taylor and Dickie Taylor (Pam).
The family extends a special thank you to the entire staff of The Gardens of Virginia Beach for their support, kindness, smiles, and expertise, and to the team from @Heart Homecare and Hospice. Extra special hugs are extended to the second-floor nursing team at The Gardens for their patience, compassion, true concern, and their always positive demeanor, and to @Heart Homecare and Hospice for stepping in to help during her last weeks. Your many phone calls, suggestions, advice, and warmth were truly appreciated.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 5th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and a celebration of life will be held on Monday, January 6th at 11:00 a.m. at Hollomon-Brown Tidewater Drive Chapel. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Hurrah Players at www.hurrahplayers.com.