Verbena Emolyn Thomas Harrison

Being the only child born to this union, her father asked for the help of his youngest sister and brother-in-law, Hattie Lee and Comer Tucker to raise her after the loss of her mother at a very young age. They were more like her parents than an aunt and uncle; and were able to give her the privilege of a stable Christian home.

She attended Carter-Lawrence, Washington, Jr. High and was a graduate of Pearl High School in 1957.

She professed a hope in Christ at an early age and was a member of the St. John A.M.E. Church. There she was a member of the junior choir and served on the junior usher board. She also attended the Shining Light and Emmanuel In Faith Churches. She became a member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in 2007 under the Pastorate of the Late Rev. James C. Turner, Sr.

She married Charles Harrison in 1957.

Verbena was a dedicated employee of the Metropolitan Board of Education as a school bus driver for 32 years. She was highly thought of by students and co-workers alike. A lot of students that she transported to school say that they themselves became bus drivers because of her devotion and inspiration.

A very loving, kind and warm-hearted person, Verbena was always ready to help anyone she could in whatever way possible.

She is survived by cousins, Hazel McKellery of Nashville, TN; Jo Carol Harris of Oakland, CA; Eleanor Gray of Teaneck, NJ; JoAnn Dance and Ernest Grubbs of Paducah, KY and cousin/care-giver, Alfreda Cornell; other relatives and friends.

Memorial Service will be held at one o' clock in the afternoon on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 1303 Hawkins St., with visitation one hour prior. Rev. James C. Turner II, Pastor.