LaJuana Harrison

1943 - 2026

PONTOTOC - LaJuana Fay Barnette Harrison, 82, of Pontotoc, Mississippi, was born on June 16, 1943, to Rex and Lillie Mae Barnette. She graduated from Pontotoc High School in 1961 and, on December 16, 1962, married her soulmate, James L. "Billy" Harrison. Together they shared 61 years of devoted marriage, all spent in Pontotoc, where they raised their two children, Jayme Harrison Caples (Brad) and Jason Harrison (Melissa). LaJuana loved Jesus with her whole heart. For nearly sixty years, she and her family worshiped and served faithfully at Harmony Baptist Church, where she was the church pianist for decades, playing until the very end of her life. Her music, service, and unwavering faith were a ministry to generations. In addition to raising her children, LaJuana lovingly cared for her mother following the death of her father, who both preceded her in death, and her brother, Tim Barnette, who survives her. She made sure they lived right next door so she could care for them daily-a testament to her deep devotion to family. In her early adulthood, she worked at Futorian in New Albany prior to the birth of her first child. After returning to the workforce when her children were older, LaJuana worked for many years for Dr. Whiteside, Pontotoc Dairy and at Ram Golf, continuing on after it became HPG Precision Golf. After retiring, she enjoyed substitute teaching for 10 years at North Pontotoc, where she was known for her kindness and warmth. In retirement, she and Billy enjoyed traveling, including a special trip to Hawaii. Nothing brought LaJuana greater joy than being a grandmother. She was blessed to be present and actively involved in the lives of all five of her grandchildren as they grew up: Stuart Caples (Christie), Cole Caples (Kellie), Kaitlyn Sappington (Kyle), Kellen Harrison (Anna), and Erin Belle Harrison. She also delighted in welcoming seven great-grandchildren, and in recent months especially cherished babysitting her youngest great-grandchild, Sawyer James Sappington. LaJuana lived a full and independent life, driving and caring for her home right up until her passing. Just days before she went to be with the Lord, her final Facebook post reflected her gratitude after staying with family during the ice storm, expressing joy at being back in her warm home, sleeping in her own bed, and declaring, "There is no place like home." On the afternoon of February 2, 2026, after spending the day restoring her home following the storm, LaJuana sat down in her favorite chair, closed her eyes, and peacefully went to be with Jesus. She awoke in glory at the feet of her Savior, her earthly work now finished.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billy, who passed on February 8, 2024, and who no doubt was waiting joyfully to welcome his bride home. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 8 from 1:00 p.m. to 2 p.m., with a Celebration of Life Service on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., all at Harmony Baptist Church in Pontotoc, Mississippi. Reverend Mike Reeves, Reverend Jerry Caples, and Reverend Jim Carr will officiate the service and at graveside. Burial will follow in Harmony Cemetery. Tutor Memorial Funeral Home in Pontotoc is handling the arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Jason Harrison, Kellen Harrison, Stuart Caples, Cole Caples, Kyle Sappington, Scottie Harrison, and Corey Harrison.

LaJuana now knows fully the truth she so beautifully expressed-there truly is no place like home. She is home forever with her Savior and with those she loved who have gone before her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideons International or St Jude Children's Research Hospital.