Mary Esther Harrison's Obituary
Mary Esther Harrison entered into eternal rest on January 13, 2025, at the age of 95. She was born on February 15, 1929, in Taft, Texas, to the late Justin and Myrtle Porter. Mary’s life began with an extraordinary act of love and sacrifice. At just six months old, her mother, concerned for her baby’s safety when her father contracted tuberculosis, called her sister, Louise Hall, in Oklahoma, to raise Mary. This selfless decision ensured that Mary’s life would be one of resilience, strength, and unwavering love for her family.
On May 16, 1949, Mary married Roosevelt Harrison in Dallas, Texas. To this union, two children were born: Charles Anthony Harrison and Carolyn Louise Harrison.
Mary was a trailblazer in her time, becoming one of the first African American employees at the corporate office of Neiman Marcus. She also pursued her passion for cosmetology, earning her license from beauty school and excelling in her craft. Roosevelt, ever supportive of her aspirations, converted a room in their home into a beauty shop where she worked on the weekends. Her dedication to her work and her community made her a beloved presence wherever she went. Mary professed her faith at any early age. She was a dedicated member of the Greater Golden Gate Missionary Baptist Church, where she served on the Usher and Mother Boards.
Mary was a woman of grace, strength, and quiet determination. She cherished her family above all else and found her greatest joy in the role of mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Carolyn Louise Harrison; her grandchildren: Bridget (Rod) Armstrong, Inga Harrison, and Erica Harrison-Venison (Marcus); and her great-grandchildren: Roddrick II, Chloe, Carter, and Charlee. Mary has been reunited in eternity with her husband, Roosevelt Harrison, her parents, her mother Louise Hall and her son, Charles Anthony Harrison.
Her unwavering love and devotion to her family will never be forgotten and it will be greatly missed.
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