Sandra Harrison

Like a butterfly, our beautiful Sandra Faye Harrison graced this earth on August 4, 1961, and transitioned to be with her Lord on February 25, 2026. She was the cherished child of her parents, Benjamin and Margaret Harrison, and Clarence and Bobbie Duckett. She enjoyed a very special relationship with her dad, Clarence, whom she often made known that he was her Hero. Sandra's life was a beautiful tapestry of love, resilience, service, and joy. Sandra accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized at St. Elmo Missionary Baptist Church in Lawton, Oklahoma, under Reverend William Haynes. Her home was always filled with Christian music, and her favorite hymn "Higher Ground (I'm Pressing on the Upward Way)" held deep meaning for her. Throughout her life's trials, she returned to that song for strength and reassurance. As a young girl, she also sang in a Christian singing group and cherished many gospel songs that nurtured her faith.

Sandra's educational journey began in the Lawton Public Schools, where she attended B.C. Swinney Elementary School as part of the small group of Black students who helped desegregate the school in the 1960s. She met the challenges of that era with grace and resilience, quickly becoming a well-liked and popular student-an early reflection of her heart for love, friendship, and acceptance of everyone. She continued her studies at Tomlinson Junior High School and Lawton Senior High School, ultimately graduating from Graham High School in Graham, Oklahoma, in 1979. Sandra later attended Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, where her leadership continued to shine on the cheerleading squad and social science club. Her compassion and strong organizational skills soon led her into community activism, supporting causes such as homelessness, childcare, employment training, and housing improvement.

Sandra shared many gifts and talents with her family and the world. She was a skilled government and leisure travel consultant for 46 years, serving clients in Oklahoma, New York City, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Her passion for travel extended far beyond her profession. She was well-traveled herself, embracing every opportunity to learn about new places, people, and traditions. Each destination added another layer to her understanding of the world and deepened her appreciation for its beauty and diversity. In addition to her love of travel, she had a deep passion for research and genealogy. She found great joy in uncovering family histories, tracing ancestral roots, and preserving stories that connected past generations to the present. Her curiosity and dedication helped keep family legacies alive and ensured that history would not be forgotten. Throughout her life, she called several places home, including Maryland, Washington, DC, and New York. Each location became a meaningful part of her story and the life she built. She was also a gifted caterer and a certified event planner for George Washington University, where she coordinated numerous events throughout the Washington, D.C. area. Her loved ones enjoyed a true VIP culinary experience through her passion for cooking, decorating, reading, and hosting gatherings. She dearly loved her precious children and extended that adoration even further to her grandchildren-her priceless jewels, without a doubt. She also had what many lovingly called an adopting spirit. Her heart was always open, and she naturally welcomed people into her life as family. Friends quickly became loved ones, and over the years she gained many "bonus grandchildren" whom she adored and who adored her just as deeply. One of her favorite sayings was, "Thinking of you!" Sandra's recent last words to her sisters were filled with love and faith: "I love you all. I just wanted to share one of my favorites: Anchor your faith, be rooted in love. Peace, be still. (Pray)".

Sandra preceded to rest in peace with the Lord by her parents; her brother, Alex Harrison; and her grandmother, Bessie Calhoun.

Sandra leaves a legacy of treasured memories to her daughters, Shandalyn Harrison and Alexandria Harrison, both of Washington, D.C., and Deborae-Ortisa (Michael) Harrison-Meredith of Columbia, MD; her son, Sterling Harrison of Lawton, OK; her grandchildren, Sorcha Harrison-Ramierz, Laizha Harrison, Sanay Harrison-Ramierz, Sumora Box, Champ Harrison, and Sulton Small, all of Washington, D.C., and Jasmine Harrison, Pierce Harrison, Joshua Harrison, and Hunter Meredith, all of Columbia, MD; her sisters, Debra Jordan of San Antonio, TX; Cheryl Strickland of Atlanta, GA; and, Astrid Duckett-Dynes (Marvin) of Katy, TX; her brother, Frederick Duckett of Lawton, OK; her nieces, LaShawna Jordan of San Antonio, TX; Margaret E. (Ryan) Nix-Noble of Jacksonville, FL; Erica Dorsey of Atlanta, GA; Analicia Harrison of Austin, TX; and Alaysia Manns, of Prairie View, TX; her nephews, Alexis (DaLana) Harrison, Andre' Harrison, and Antonio (Kassandra) Harrison, all of Tulsa, OK; Christopher (Ryan) Jordan of Huntsville, AL; Evan Strickland and Elliott Strickland, both of Atlanta, GA; and Damon Manns IV and Azaria Manns, both of La Crescent, MN; her bonus grandchildren, Zayveon Delvalle, Zion Johnson, Andre "Zahir" Thomas, and Zalai'Dream Hartmann, all of Clarksburg, MD; Jazzlyn Taylor and Ricardo Taylor Jr, both of Rockville, MD; Ayanna Norrell, Zarriah Williams, Leah Williams, Noah Williams, and all of Washington, D.C.; Malachi Box of Germantown, MD; and Nia Wallace of Landover, MD; her bonus sisters, Debbie Hyman of Greenville, NC; Angela Harrison-Howard of Tulsa, OK; Neciey Gurley and Brenda Williams, both of Lawton, OK; and Michelle Keyeser of Brooklyn, NY; her bonus brother, James Jordan of Huntsville, AL; and a host of extended nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends