Suzann Harrison Obituary

In Loving Memory of Suzann R. Harrison
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Suzann R. Harrison, who left this world peacefully on September 23, 2024, at the age of eighty-six.
Born in Oakland, Kentucky, on April 10, 1938, to the late Ernest L. and Myrl Drake Rector, Suzann, affectionately known as "Sue," "Ms. Sue," "Gran," or "Gran-Gran," embraced life with an adventurous spirit and a heart full of love. In the late 1960s, Suzann met the love of her life, Jerry Louis Harrison. Their union was a beautiful blend of families, adventures, and cherished moments spent together. They traveled extensively, designed and built homes, boated on Lake Lanier and Lake Burton, and indulged in saltwater fishing along the Gulf of Mexico. Their retirement years in the serene North Georgia Mountains, particularly in Clayton, were a testament to their love for nature and tranquility.
A proud graduate of Western Kentucky University, Suzann dedicated her life to education. As a secondary education teacher in English Literature at North Warren High School in Smith's Grove, Kentucky, she was known for her firm yet loving approach, always striving for the best in her students. Later, she became a professor at Western Kentucky University and DeKalb College in Atlanta, Georgia, where she passionately inspired her students and colleagues alike. Her unwavering dedication to advancing education and supporting fellow educators was particularly noteworthy during her pivotal role in the development and implementation of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
Suzann's quick wit and unmatched skills at games like Chinese Checkers and Rummikub were legendary among family and friends. Her talent for hosting exquisite gatherings, complete with stunning decorations and culinary delights, created lasting memories in their homes across Dunwoody, Roswell, Alpharetta, Mexico Beach, Clayton and even in her final home at Village Park Milton. She loved her time at Village Park and the friendships she cultivated there. A passionate lover of gourmet cooking, nature, gardening, camping, and travel, she lived life to the fullest and inspired those around her.
A devoted mother of five, grandmother of eleven, and great-grandmother of seventeen, Gran adored her large family and took immense joy in celebrating their lives. Her pride in their accomplishments was boundless, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
Suzann is reunited in heaven with her cherished husband, Jerry, her parents, and her brother, Richard Rector. She is lovingly remembered by her son John Friar Harrison, daughters Robin H. Cannon (Shane), Marian Lynette Okenica (Ed), Bill Harrison (Michelle), and Jennifer H. Lewis (Shack).
A celebration of her remarkable life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Alpharetta United Methodist Church, with a reception to follow. The immediate family will gather in June 2025 to scatter the ashes of both Jerry and Sue Harrison, honoring their everlasting bond.
We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during our mom's funeral service. Gran-Gran had a profound appreciation for flowers, particularly white ones, and she cherished the idea of her children and grandchildren planting perennials to remember her by.
In her honor, Alpharetta United Methodist works closely with The Flower Post at Vickery Village. We encourage you to reach out to Billy Bates at 678-455-4566 to explore beautiful options that reflect her spirit. However, any local florist will deliver to her service. Thank you for celebrating her life with us!
If you're considering making a donation in honor of Gran, please consider contributing to www.PULMONARYFIBROSIS.org.