Shirley M. Harrison

By August 16, 2017Uncategorized

10/22/1940 – 8/12/2017

Shirley M. Crossley was the youngest and eighth child born to the late Payton and Haydee Crossley on October 22,1940 in Omaha, Nebraska. She departed from her life assignment to reunite with her husband and first love, LG Harrison, on August 12, 2017.

As a child, Shirley became a member of Calvin Memorial Presbyterian Church. She attended Webster and Howard Kennedy Schools. She went on to complete her studies at Technical High School where she graduated in 1958. Dedication and hard work came at an early age for Shirley. At the age of 10, she began distributing papers for the Omaha Star under the guidance of Owner/Editor Mildred Brown and later Dr. Marguerita L. Washington. She would work there for over 50 years, receiving an Employee Service Award in 2008. In 1972, she attended Althouse Beauty School where she obtained her license in cosmetology and went on to work for JC Penney salon and later with friend and mentor, Rose Hollingsworth for more than 40 years. She also worked as a Reading Assistant at Sacred Heart School.

Shirley was united in holy matrimony to the late LG Harrison on July 13, 1962. With their union children were born: Richard, Leslie, Maurice, Catherine, Lisa, Valerie, Dale, Diana, Gayla, Vicente and Carla.

Wife, mother, sister and friend, Shirley was a solid rock, truly exemplifying the character modeled in Proverbs 31:10-31. Not only did she stand side by side with her husband and their 11 children, she was active in her community. In her youth, she played recreational sports. Later, she was a member of a 50s and 60s club and had served for many years on the Lake Bristol Square Neighborhood Association where she along with others worked with the City of Omaha in improving their neighborhood. Further achievements include participating in a bowling league with good friend, Jeanette Moore, under the team name Health and Beauty. In addition to bowling, her favorite past times included watching sports, horse racing and trips to the casino.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, LG Harrison, parents, Payton and Haydee Crossley, grandson, Leslie Harrison and granddaughters, Kyra and Kamara Johnson.

She leaves a treasure chest of love and memories for her children, Richard (Tia) Chicago, Il; Leslie (Leah) Lake Oswego, OR; Maurice (Camille) Omaha, NE; Catherine (Ernest) Banks, Omaha, NE; Lisa (Nathaniel) Jackson, Omaha, NE; Valerie Harrison, McKinney, TX; Dale (Tisha) White Plains, MD; Diana (Ojay) Johnson, Charlotte, NC; Gayla Harrison, Omaha, NE; Vicente (Rachel) Lake Oswego, OR; and Carla (Lance) Griffin, Omaha, NE. She is also survived by brother, Ernest (Gwen) Crossley, sister, Marguerite Davis, 28 grandchildren, one great grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Visitation Tuesday 5-7 PM Roeder Mortuary 2727 N 108th Street Omaha, NE. Funeral Service Wednesday (8/23/17) 10:00 AM Roeder Mortuary 2727 N 108th Street Omaha, NE. Graveside Service Thursday 11:00 AM Omaha National Cemetery Omaha, NE. In Lieu of Flowers, please consider donations to LG and Shirley Harrison  Academic Educational Scholarship Fund.

10 Comments

  • Cat says:

    Mother, I miss you SO much! Rest in peace❤❤

  • Tonya Francois says:

    So beautifully written!! Valerie, I can see where so much of your beauty has come from (inside and out). My condolences and love to your family.

  • Natalie Parrish says:

    Wish I could of met you, grandma Shirley. I enjoyed the times we used to speak on the phone and I could tell you were a very kind hearted woman. I am so blessed to have known you. My condelonces to the Harrison family.

  • Anonymous says:

    Miss you Mom!!
    #11

  • Christina Spurlock, neice says:

    Aunt Shirley, so beautiful! It won’t be the same, as your the my first & last stop when in Omaha. I will miss you so much! I love you dearly. Your legacy left behind is GREAT! No one could keep you & Uncle LG apart. I will still stop by the house, just to get the feel of you there!
    Love you much, Tina

  • Wilma Mharess says:

    My Friend what a wonderful woman of God! Her life, its history says it all, a wonderful picture of a woman after God’s heart! My thoughts and love are with you and your dear family Valerie. We love you and will continue to send love and comfort to you and your precious family.

  • Nancy Chenoweth says:

    My prayers are with both Mr. and Mrs. Harrison’s family especially my dear sister in Christ, Valerie.
    Valerie, my heart shares in the losses of both your parents; however, I celebrate their unions with our heavenly Father.

  • Jerilyn Welsh-Roe says:

    I never got to meet Mrs. Harrison personally, but to know her lovely, spirit filled, beautiful daughter Valerie; I feel as if I’ve met her and Mr. Harrison. As an educator, I know wonderful heirs don’t just happen. Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Harrison for leaving this world in the hands of your amazing family. Praise the Lord.

  • Violadora Johnson says:

    My dear cousin has known me all my life. She was 2 years older than me but we grew up together. We were really close until I left Omaha after graduation in 1960. Recently we talked twice a month & I was devastated when Valerie told me about her being called home.

    My condolences to her children, grandchildren & the rest of the family. May you Rest in Paradise Cuzzin & know that I will miss you & I love you.

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