Joan Harrison

Joan H. Harrison, 78 years old, of Orlando, FL, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, October 5, 2010. Her husband and children were by her side when angels escorted her home to heaven.

Joan was born at home in Charleston, WV on April 22, 1932 to Stanley and Grace Hudnall. She graduated from Charleston High School. while attending regular Friday and Saturday night dances at the YWCA and YMCA, this beautiful 17 year old met a lad of 15 years old, Ray E. Harrison. He was the bass drummer in the South Charleston High School band. Even though they had danced together, they never dated until May 20, 1950 when they went on a hayride sponsored by the YWCA to Coonskin Park in Charleston. Little did they know that this would become a very special place for this young couple in the coming future.

Ray joined the Navy and they kept up communication with lots of letters between them. While on leave in 1951, Ray and Joan went to Coonskin Park for a Fourth of July celebration. With fireworks lighting up the sky, Ray proposed to Joan and much to his relief, she accepted. They knew they were truly soul mates and wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. Finally they decided to get married the next time Ray was home on leave. They were married on Valentines Day, February 14, 1953 at Joan's parent's home. Their daughter, Sherry, was born October, 1954 and son, Tom, was born in July, 1957. Ray and Joan moved their family down to Orlando in 1959 where they have lived in the same home ever since.

Joan took care of their children and home while Ray had a job that required him to travel extensively. She supported him every step of the way when he decided in the 1960's to study to go into the ministry. Ray was ordained into the ministry in 1977. He continued his schooling and graduated with his Bachelor's, Masters, and Doctorate degrees while Joan made sure that everything at home was running smoothly, helping with the children's homework and school projects. She could somehow make homemade cakes, cupcakes or cookies before the kids went to school when they didn't tell her about the bake sale until the morning goodies were needed. She was a Den Mother for Tom's Cub Scout troop and would make beautiful formal dresses for different events in which Sherry was involved.

Joan has been an inspiring partner to her husband's ministry at Lake Whippoorwill Baptist Church (Narcoossee Road, Orlando) where he continues to preach and teach after 33 years. She taught children's Sunday School, prepared the Sunday bulletin, and whatever else she could do to help her church family and support her husband.

She especially loved the times that she was able to spend with her sister, Bonnie Mayne, Cleveland, OH. They always seemed to know when they were needed by one another and would sometimes pick up the phones at the same time to call. Shopping and doing crafts were their favorite pastimes when they were each other's best friend.

She was also known as "Dr. Doolittle" to the 4-legged members of our family, all the many dogs and cats that have passed through our doors. Honestly, Joan was the very best wife, mom, Mamaw, sister, friend and caregiver-a true blessing to all who loved her!

Unfortunately, the last couple of years of her life were spent struggling with Alzheimer's Disease. She progressed through the illnesses quickly and needed the extra care at a nursing home that could not be provided at home. She was blessed to be cared for those last two months by the loving and compassionate nurses, aides and therapists at Courtyards at Orlando.

Joan is survived by her husband of 57 years, Rev. Dr. Ray E. Harrison; daughter, Sherry Harrison (Orlando, FL); son, Thomas R. Harrison and his wife, Jackie (Stafford, VA); sister, Bonnie F. Mayne and her husband, Tom (Cleveland, OH); 3 Grandson-Ray W. Thoss and his wife, Michelle (Orlando, FL), Thomas "T.J." Thoss and his wife, Lisa (Orlando, FL), and Nicholas S. Harrison (Stafford, VA); 6 Great-Grandchildren-Baleigh, Kenneth, Hunter, Morgan, Bella, Brosden, and Ray and Joan's 7th great-granddaughter, Abigail Joan Thoss, will be joining our family in early December.

All services will be at Woodlawn Funeral Home on Monday, October 11, 2010. Visitation will be from 10:30 -noon. The service will begin at noon with Rev. James Barrett officiating. The graveside good-bye will follow the service. Reception will be back inside at Woodlawn Funeral Home Library.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting a donation be made to the local Alzheimer Resource Center. Their support groups, telephone and one-on-one support, training and research is very helpful to families who have a loved one with this disease. Please make your check out to "Alzheimer Resource Center" and note "In Memory of Joan Harrison" on the memo line. Donations can be mailed to: Alzheimer Resource Center, Inc., 1506 Lake Highland Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.