Eileen H. Harrison
Eileen H. Harrison, 95, of Charlotte, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and life-long learner and servant, died peacefully on Thursday, October 24, 2024. Eileen was born June 20, 1929, in Highland Park, MI, the daughter of Hilliard and Blanche (Wyman) Hart. She graduated from Cooley High School before earning a degree in elementary education from Albion College, where she met the love of her life, Robert Harrison. Eileen and Bob married on June 16, 1951, and moved to Battle Creek, where Bob worked. Eileen got a job teaching fifth grade in the Battle Creek Lakeview district, teaching four years before taking time off to raise their children. They moved to Olivet after Bob took a position as an accountant with Olivet College. Eileen worked as a substitute teacher for a year before accepting a full-time position teaching fourth grade in Olivet Public Schools. She retired after over 20 years of service and they moved to Charlotte, where Eileen became a very active member of the First Congregational Church of Charlotte.
Eileen remained extremely active until her final days. She looked forward to her hourly walk every day at AL!VE, was an avid reader, visited with family and friends throughout the country and was able to travel abroad with her children to Australia, New Zealand, Italy, and Greece. She enjoyed music and theater, including taking in shows and concerts. She cherished the coffee hours she had with long-time friends at each other’s houses. Eileen was an integral member of her church. She participated in the church book club and adult education as well as countless hours in the church kitchen, preparing dinners for numerous occasions. As a long-time member of the Outreach/Missions Team, she helped with the coat drive, grocery and clothing collections, activity boxes for children, helped with the church bazaar, and several other church ministries both at home in Charlotte and went on mission trips. Eileen was also a member of the Friends of the Charlotte Community Library for years, helping with book sales and other projects. She was a member of the Women’s Board of Olivet College, a member of Delta Kappa Gamma (international education society), and the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel. She served as an officer in these groups throughout the years. Above all, Eileen lived as an example of Faith to all who knew her and will miss her
Eileen is survived by her children, Jan (Michael) Dieterle of Lakewood Ranch, FL, Robert A. (Patricia) Harrison of Richland, and Patricia (Melvin) Smith of Arlington, TX; grandchildren, Stacey (Mike) Gamble, Justin (Alejandra) Dieterle, Andrea (Kyle) Hendrix, Brooke Smith, Colin (Ashlyn) Smith, and Kerry (Anthony) Rotella; and four great-grandchildren, Ember Smith, Annalise Gamble, Logan Hendrix, and Harrison Rotella. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Harrison; her father and mother, and her brother Willard Hart.
Friends are encouraged to support Eileen’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The family is planning interment at Ft. Custer National Cemetery and a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church of Charlotte, Hope Landing, or Elara Caring Hospice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.