Gloria Helen Harrison's Obituary
Gloria Helen Harrison, 84, passed away due to liver cancer on October 22, 2017, at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas with family by her side. She was born on June 22, 1933, in Crenshaw, Mississippi to Mary Belle and Charles Dudley Williams. Gloria had seven siblings, five sisters, and two brothers. She grew up in Crenshaw, MS, a farming community close to Memphis, and consequently developed a love for music. After graduating from Crenshaw High School, she moved to Memphis and worked for IBM. She then decided to apply as a flight attendant for American Airlines. Her good looks and Southern charm got her the job. Soon she was flying transcontinental flights from New York to LA through the late 50s, earning her the nickname “Gogo” from her sister Mary. In 1961, she was stationed in Dallas and met a then FBI special agent. Gloria married Richard “Dick” Harrison on September 30, 1961. They lived in Lake Highlands and raised their family there for 24 years. She was a member of the Dallas County Republican Women’s Club and did volunteer work for a number of organizations. She was a great cook who loved to entertain family and friends. Her quick wit and direct approach brought laughter to many.In 1994, Dick was diagnosed with cancer for the second time and Gloria learned she had a rare fatal liver disease but it was diagnosed early and treated with an experimental drug at UT Southwestern that worked and allowed her to lead a normal life until her death. In 1995, Dick died of throat cancer. After his death, Gloria lived in several senior housing communities in Richardson. She always drove her older friends to the store, doctor appointments, or lunch. In 2014, she moved to Forney to be closer to her family. She supported and encouraged her grandsons in all of their endeavors, including in their artistic and academic accomplishments as well as their various sporting activities. She spent many Friday nights cheering on Forney football teams. Gloria loved family outings and backyard barbeques with Sinatra, Willie, or Elvis playing in the background. She was a Christian who had a beautiful spirit and servant’s heart.Gloria always put her family first with her love, generosity, and independent spirit. She was a feisty Southern belle who was one of a kind and her bright smile will be sorely missed by her family.Gloria is proceeded in death by her beloved husband, Dick; her mother and father; brothers C.D., Russell, and sisters Ida, Jessie, Lulugene, and Mary. She is survived by her sister Rose Brown of Fort Pierce, Fl.; son Rick Harrison and wife Lisa of Forney; daughter Cheri (Dede) Harper and husband Dwight of Georgetown; and grandsons Hunter, Spencer, and Cash. The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Kay Jacobs for her devoted and loving care of Gloria over the last seven months. A memorial service will be held at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas on Friday, November 3rd at 2:00 pm. Reception to follow the Memorial ceremony at the Restland Event Center located 9220 Restland Road, Dallas, Texas, 75243. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Exceptional Georgetown Alliance (EGA), 2500 Williams Drive, Ste 212-526, Georgetown, TX 78633, benefitting special needs children in the Georgetown area.
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