Mary Catherine Harrison

Kay was born in Cotulla Texas on November 6, 1937 to William M. and Mary C. Burwell. She was the fifth of seven children and the oldest of three girls. She grew up in Kingsville, TX and attended Texas A & M University – Kingsville.

She married James (Jim) Robert Harrison in 1955 and that began 64 years of marriage and true devotion and commitment that inspired them, their children and all who knew them.

She and Jim lived in Twentynine Palms (USMC), CA; Houston, Texas; Grand Rapids, MI, Racine, WI and Pryor, OK.

Kay was a devoted family first leader. Her commitment to her Mom and Dad, in-laws, siblings, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren created special bonds that impacted all of us. The long weekends or Holidays were for family. Many phone calls and car trips insured that all the families made these a priority too.

Her love for her grandchildren was true passion and her “Camp Harrison’s” taught the next generations the value of family. She also coordinated multiple family reunions that have no equal for entertainment and memories.

Her love of family was a true gift to every child, in-law, cousin, niece and nephew in the family.

She was always as active part of all the communities that she and Jim lived. She was active in the church’s, in the schools, in the hospitals and she was impactful to many others. Altar Guild, School volunteer, Woman’s Clubs, Meals on Wheels, fundraiser for girls’ scholarships and many others.

She was an outstanding cook and she was able to share that passion for cooking with her family, friends and community. Her holiday gatherings and gourmet food will always be remembered. And her cookbook library is legendary.

She had many talents and she was an avid reader, jig saw puzzles, cross stitching, bridge, games, ceramics painting, and she always shared her work with her family.

Kay was preceded in death by her brothers Charles, Robert, Bill and sister Marguerite.

Kay is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jim Harrison of New Bern, NC; sons James (Lynn) Harrison of Grand Rapids, MI; and Kevin (Diane) Harrison of Fargo, ND and Susanne (Les) Pendleton of New Bern, NC; grandchildren Dr. Jenna Harrison of St. Petersburg, FL; Kara (Chris) Gates of Grand Rapids, MI; Shaun (Alli) Harrison and great grandson Rhett of Fargo, ND; Sarah (Will) Pietsch of Seattle, WA; Shannon (Bill) White and great grandsons Sam and Robert of Jacksonville, FL; Stephen Curtis of Little Rock, AR; many nieces and nephews; and her brother Paddy (Bettye) Burwell of Westhoff, TX and sister Bettye Loegel of Santee, CA.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, February 10, 2020 at Christ Episcopal Church in New Bern.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that any gifts be donations in honor of Mary Harrison, to the National Kidney Foundation.

Arrangements by Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory.