Onetta May Harrison

Onetta May Burnett Harrison, age 100, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, at Baptist Health Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

She was born on July 27, 1925, in Chester, Arkansas, to Joseph and Lillie Burnett. Her century-long life carried her through remarkable periods in American history. She grew up during the Great Depression, came of age during World War II, and witnessed decades of social and cultural change.

On September 17, 1940, she married George W. Harrison, who preceded her in death in 1959 following a logging accident. Together, they had seven children: Sharon, Gerald, Dale (who passed away in childhood), Buster, Raymond, Janice, and Connie.

Onetta's life was shaped by responsibility, loss, and endurance. Widowed at the age of 34, she continued forward under circumstances that required great strength and determination. Her independent and feisty nature likely contributed to her longevity. She often bragged about her ability to do things for herself and wanted nothing more than to live to be 100.

She outlived her eight siblings and all but one of her children. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Special thanks are extended to all the caregivers at The Blossoms Nursing Home, where Onetta resided for the past 6½ years