Emma Lee Harrison

In Loving Memory of Emma Harrison

Emma Harrison was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and cherished friend whose life was marked by unwavering faith, unconditional love, and a servant’s heart.

Emma was born on August 11, 1949, in Little Rock to Airie Lee Buchanan and Pearlie Mae Buchanan as their firstborn child. In 1951, the family relocated to Crestwood, where Emma was raised and educated. She attended Springfield Grade School and Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, graduating with the Class of 1968. A gifted athlete, Emma excelled in basketball, tennis, and softball.

At a young age, Emma gave her life to Christ and began her spiritual journey at New Friendship Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Felix C. Taurvin. She later became a member of Bethesda Gospel Tabernacle, where she grew in faith under the leadership of Rev. Thomas O. Wilson.

Following her graduation from high school, Emma began working as a clerk at Argonne National Laboratory. She later built a distinguished career as an executive administrator with AT&T, where she served faithfully for more than 20 years until her retirement.

Emma met the love of her life, Donald Harrison, at Bethesda Gospel Tabernacle. Their friendship blossomed into a lifelong partnership, and they were united in holy matrimony on January 22, 1974. From this loving union, four children were born: Donald Kevin, Derrick, Donita, and Deidre. Donald preceded her in death in 2003.

Emma had a passion for ministry and service. In the early 1990s, she served in evangelism with Victory Walk Prison Ministries under the leadership of Walter and Virginia McGhee, touching countless lives with her compassion and faith.

Emma was also known for her extraordinary culinary talents and her deep love of bringing people together through food. Her Sunday dinners became treasured family traditions, prepared with care and seasoned with love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Pursuing her passion, Emma furthered her education at Le Cordon Bleu and founded her own business, Emma's Home Style Deli and Catering, in 1994. She joyfully catered for church events, family gatherings, and special occasions, including the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Emma continued her spiritual walk as a member of Abundant Life Teaching Center under Pastor James Watson. She later joined Lighthouse Church of All Nations, where she faithfully served under the leadership of Bishop Dan Willis. There, she was an active and dedicated member of Ladies of the Light, Keenagers, Open Hands Food Pantry, and Angel Ministries.

To honor her remarkable legacy and cherish her memory, Emma leaves to celebrate her life her beloved mother, Pearlie Mae Buchanan; her loving children, Donald Kevin Harrison, Derrick Harrison (Donnetta Harrison), Donita Harrison (and her cherished grand-dog, Jazzy Girl), and Deidre Harrison (John Arbo); her grandchildren, Michael Harrison, Christopher Harrison, Isaac Harrison, Deondre Lewis, Deonna Harrison, Danielle Harrison, and Janiya Arbo; her great-grandchildren, Callie Wright, Karson Craig, Jakari Arbo, and Zyrielle Harrison; and her siblings, the late Doris McMillan (Nathaniel McMillan), Catherine Nelson (the late Larry Nelson Sr.), Dorothy Buchanan, Airie James Buchanan (Claudia Buchanan), Ollie Buchanan (Darryl Calvin), and Deloris Morris (Keith Morris). She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, former coworkers, and lifelong friends.

Emma will be remembered for her warm smile, steadfast loyalty, generous spirit, and unwavering love for her family. Though she will be deeply missed, her love, faith, and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

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