Heath & Vaughn Funeral Directors, Champaign, Illinois

Esther L. Harrison (Nookie) of Rantoul, Illinois, departed this

life at 7:15 a.m., Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, Illinois.

Esther Harrison was born May 14, 1929, in Champaign, Illinois, a daughter of Willie and Effie Holt. She was joined in Holy Matrimony to Charles H. Harrison on September 19, 1947, in Champaign, Illinois.

She is survived by her husband, Charles H. Harrison; one son, Michael J. Harrison of Rantoul, Illinois; one daughter, Vicki M. Harrison of Culver City, California; two grandchildren, Tony Harrison and Melodi Harrison; her sister, Daisy Jackson, of Urbana, Illinois, her brother, Walter “Buddy” Holt of Champaign, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her two sisters, Theressa Barnes and Helen Bracy.

Esther Harrison was born and raised in Champaign, Illinois. After she married, she traveled extensively with her husband, who was in the Air Force, to such places as Alaska, Athens, Greece, Hawaii and many other locations. She returned home to Champaign in 1973 where her husband retired, and they purchased a home and resided in Rantoul.

Esther was a busy woman and a joy to know. She professed her love for Christ at an early age and was a member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church. There she attended church regularly and volunteered for many services such as babysitting children during services and Vacation Bible School. She loved to bowl and work out at the Rantoul Forum Fitness Club several times a week. She had a passion for fashion/style and modeling in Fashion Shows for Deena’s in Rantoul every year. If that wasn’t enough, Esther continued to work as supervisor on Chanute AFB at the dining hall until she retired at age 67.

Esther was a strong and caring woman, a great wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She has gone home but will be missed tremendously by all whose lives she has touched.

The family is being assisted by Heath and Vaughn Funeral Home, 201 N. Elm, Champaign.

Condolences

My heart and prayers go out to all in the Harrison Family. I grew up with Esther as a constant in my life. From a young child who she gave candy to — to a teenager who worked for her in the dining hall — to an adult who was able to proudly show her my infant daughter, Alisia — to watching me spend an entire career in the military. The Harrison family has been a constant in the life of our entire family for more years than I can count and I can’t begin to express my heartfelt pain for all.

I know Mrs. Harrison would want us all to rejoice in her passing as she take God’s hand into a better world. May God bless you Mrs. Harrison and may God bless Mr. Harrison and your entire family as they face these trying times.

We love you! You will be missed dearly.

Kathy and Alisia Stuart (Zuvich)

Although I had never met your sister Daisy, I had heard from Gayla what a wonderful person she was and I know that you will miss her very much. My condolences go out to you, Karen and all of the family. You can be happy knowing that she had her faith and is with the Lord.

Love

Curly

To The Family Of Esther Harrison!!!

( Nookie)

Eshter and I grew up in Champaign. She was along with my sister Puddin’ who has gone on to be with the Lord. We all know to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord.

To her Loving Husband, Daughter, Son, Grandchildren, Sister Daisy, brother Buddy, nieces Karen, Shelia, , Gina, nephew Stevie: She is resting in the Precious arms of Jesus, no more suffering, no more pain. Shelia I will forever remember your taking your Aunt to get her treatments meeting you all in the parking garage at Carle clinic. She had faith that she would be an over-comer, such an elegant Woman — always had a beautiful smile.

She has joined her family that has gone on before her. I know you all loved her<But God loved her more.

Rest on Nookie. We, too, will someday make the same Transition.

Juanita (Baby sis) Mason