Mary Faith Harrison

Mary Faith Willard Harrison, age 90, a lifelong resident of North Carolina, died December 17, 2023, in Forsyth County.  She was born on May 27, 1933, in Guilford County to Clifton Cornelius and Clara Tucker Willard.

Mary and her ten siblings were exemplary students at Jamestown High School backed by parents of strong work ethic and unconditional love. Mary’s mother was a schoolteacher and her father, a farmer and businessman.  Being active in the community while participating in athletics were family traditions. Mary earned recognition for her service on the girls’ basketball, cheerleading, and swimming teams.

While in high school, she met the love of her life, Don Phillips Harrison, who shared her values including higher education. Mary graduated with distinction from Jamestown High School and High Point Hospital’s Nursing School where she became a Registered Nurse.

Mary and Don were married on July 16, 1955, after Don finished his duty in the Army and Mary earned additional training in medicine. They settled in Winston-Salem where Don was employed with Western Electric and Mary was recruited to help establish (in 1954) the radiology department at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital. She retired in 1994 with 40 years of outstanding service as head of radiology and oncology.

Mary was ten years old when her mother died but she never forgot the lessons learned from this wise woman.  Mary adored her highly organized, kind-hearted father who lived to be 98.

In 1967, Don and Mary designed their small, dream home on a large lot with vegetable gardens. They also raised rabbit dogs, Beagles, that were known state-wide for excellence.  Mary and Don were perfectly matched, being dedicated to church and family.  Although she and Don never had children, they celebrated the numerous babies born to family members.   Mary’s smile was a beacon of joy reflecting her personality.   Everyone who knew her can remember the uplifting sound of her laughter.

Her husband died in 2022.  Mary’s surviving siblings are Carma Charping, Laura Clinard, Gayle Hyatt and Harold Willard. Mary’s siblings who predeceased her were Clyde, Betty, Maxine, Rex, Richard, and Norma. Mary is survived by many nieces and nephews including her caretaker, Cherl T. Harrison. Burial will be at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, Lexington, NC.   A memorial service will be held in the spring.

The staff at Davidson Funeral Home Hickory Tree Chapel is honored to be serving the Harrison family during this difficult time.

Online condolences may be made at www.davidsonfuneralhome.net