Katherine Smith Harrison

Katherine Smith Harrison took her last breath on this earth on October 27, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband who finished his course in this life two months earlier on September the first. After sixty-six years together, the pain of losing him literally broke her heart.

Katherine’s mother, Ruby Edwards Smith gave birth to her in the country outside of New Bern at her Grandmother’s house on December 10, 1929. Her father, Vance Smith, a local barber was beaming with pride at the birth of his beautiful, curly haired, baby girl. After graduating from high school with honors in 1948, Katherine attended Smithdeal-Massey Business College in Richmond, Virginia. She then returned to New Bern after graduation in 1950.

Miller and Katherine’s paths were intertwined from the days of their youth. Miller’s mother was Katherine’s Sunday School teacher at St. Mary’s Free Will Baptist Church. They started dating shortly after her return home from Business College and married on August 4, 1951.

Although Katherine worked briefly at the Public Works Department located at Cherry Point and for a Law Office in New Bern, her passion in life was taking care of Miller, their home and family. Together they raised four children, Sherwood Miller Harrison, Jr, Stephen Alan Harrison, Mark Smith Harrison and Kathy Dare Harrison. That tradition of family and home continued as their sons married and begin to raise families of their own.

Sherwood married Patti Smith providing two wonderful grandchildren for Miller and Katherine to enjoy, Sherwood Miller Harrison, III (Trey) and Kathleen Golding. Trey is now married and he and his wife Rebecca recently bestowed the title of “Great-Grandmom” on Katherine with the birth of her great grandson, Pax. Kathleen recently married Jake Golding a member of the United States Marine Corps formerly of Michigan.

Stephen and his wife Teresa also raised three boys and a girl, Brian, who preceded Miller and Katherine in death July of last year, Stephen Miller, Michael and one granddaughter, Christin.

Mark and his wife Sylvia blessed Miller and Katherine with two grandsons Joshua and Nathanael. Katherine loved to reminisce about the times they would come to Grandpa and Grandmom’s house when they were little. Katherine and Miller were still talking about their wonderful trip to Georgia for Nathanael’s marriage to his beautiful wife Rajal. Katherine was thrilled to learn they are expecting their first child in the spring.

Kathy blessed Katherine’s life with a “Granddog” Crumpett. Katherine would tell anyone who came in how much she loved her and how thankful she was to have her with her all the time.

Along with a deep love for her husband, her family and her God, Katherine loved music. She faithfully served as the church organist for St. Mary’s Free Will Baptist Church for ten years giving freely of her time to help spread God’s Word through music. After returning to New Bern in 1993, she often volunteered to play the piano for Sunday School or other functions at Trinity United Methodist Church for her church family.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11 am on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at Trinity United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall before the service beginning at 10

.

The family wishes to thank Craven County Hospice for their loving care of our parents during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Trinity United Methodist Church or Craven County Hospice at https://cravencountyhospice.com/donations/.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.