Florence Harrison, a Teacher’s Teacher

The following is the eulogy delivered by Billy Powell at the funeral of Florence Harrison:

“Legendary Bulldog announcer Larry Munson always began his broadcasts of Georgia football games with the phrase, ‘Get the picture!’ I begin today with the same introduction: ‘Get the Picture!’

“The date was Feb. 19, 2006. The place was the old Perry school. A capacity crowd had gathered to rename the old school as the Eric P. Staples Memorial Building. Although God had called Fessor home 22 years earlier, Fessor’s spirit was sweeping through the auditorium — literally tugging at the heartstrings of everyone there. Fessor dearly loved that old school building; he had roamed its halls for 36 years. As our collective hearts yearned for Fessor, suddenly, a distinguished lady entered the auditorium. Every eye in the jam-packed audience turned in her direction. Our intense longing for Fessor began to dissipate with every step she took down the aisle. Every eye was transfixed upon her as she found her reserved seat down front. Her name was Florence Harrison. This erudite, charming, beautiful, southern lady who spoke the King’s English with precision, personified the academic excellence that made Perry High School great. As Perry won basketball championships, the literary, drama and debate teams of Mrs. Harrison and other outstanding teachers were capturing district and state meets. Florence Harrison was the greatest English teacher, we believe, in the whole world. She was loved, revered and respected. To this day, the lessons she taught live on in her students. This author never writes that he doesn’t feel Mrs. Harrison peering over his shoulder and whispering in his ear: ‘Billy, don’t split the infinitive, reposition that dangling participle, and achieve subject-verb agreement.’

“Florence Harrison aspired to be a teacher early in life. As a small child, she would line up her cats and dogs and teach them. She was born in Macon, grew up near Atlanta, and graduated from Russell High School in East Point. Although offered a scholarship to Wesleyan College, she opted to attend Georgia State College for Women, where she earned her teaching degree. Her teaching career spanned 50 meritorious years: 30 at Perry High School (1940-1970) and 20 at Westfield Schools (1970-1990).

“Florence Harrison was indeed a teacher’s teacher, who inspired, edified and enlightened those around her. Larry Walker, PHS class of 1960, said: ‘Florence Harrison taught me the love of reading. She was the quintessential English teacher.’ Sam Nunn, class of 1956, said: ‘Mrs. Florence Harrison helped give me the confidence to stand up and speak in front of a group. When I have been asked which teacher made the most impact on my life, my answer has always been Florence Harrison.’ William Harrison, class of 1954, observed: ‘Mrs. Harrison not only opened our eyes to English, but brought to light the finer points of our language. She patiently taught us how to master correct grammar, skillful writing, accurate spelling, and proper oration.’ Thomas ‘Boot’ Hunt, 1959 graduate, stated: ‘Mrs. Harrison was the consummate English teacher. The lessons I learned from her – grammar, composition, literature and debate – have served me well throughout my personal and professional life.’ Mary Kathryn Duggan Thornton, 1954 graduate, said: ‘Mrs. Harrison was a favorite among Perry’s students. She had high standards and expected our very best. I remember wishing in college and even in graduate school that Mrs. Harrison were teaching the course.’

“Six years ago in 2008, Mrs. Harrison called and said she wanted me to speak at her funeral. She added that in her quiet hours she talked a lot with God. In the process she had written some thoughts about her life and wanted me to read them at her funeral. She entitled it: ‘Reflections on Coming to the End of a Long, Wonderful Life.’ Mrs. Harrison’s words:

“‘I thank God for all my students over the years. I have loved my work, and I am satisfied with what has been accomplished — no great achievement, but a series of small ones. I have loved and been loved. I have made, if not a perfect score, at least a passing grade, or a little bit more. Hopefully, I have left a lasting mark on a few people. And I believe I have done what God wanted me to do, and I love and thank Him for the wonderful blessings I have enjoyed — a devoted husband, a caring family, and a host of dear, dear friends.’

“Jesus had the power over death. Before raising Lazarus, Jesus approached Lazarus’ grieving sister, Mary, and said: ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Mary, not understanding what Jesus meant, replied: ‘Lord, I know that my brother will rise again, but that will be in the general resurrection that takes place on the last day.’ Then Jesus said more forcibly to Mary: ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, even though he die, yet shall he live, and whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die.’ Jesus walked to the cave where Lazarus was entombed, had them remove the stone, and shouted ‘Lazarus, come forth.’

“The man who had been dead four days came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. If Jesus had not called Lazarus by name, all the people who had ever died would have burst forth from their graves. The same Power that raised Lazarus from the dead is now taking care of Mrs. Harrison — transporting her from this life to a heavenly paradise where there is no pain, no suffering, no crying, and no death. In the midst of heaven is the throne room of God. There also is Jesus, the Lamb of God, whom the scripture promises ‘we shall see face-to-face.’

“The marriage of Mrs. Florence and Willis Harrison was indeed a match made in heaven. It lasted 65 wonderful years. No husband has cared for his wife better than Willis. And to Willis, I say: Death cannot separate the love you had for Mrs. Florence and that she held for you. Until that grand and glorious future reunion day when you will see Mrs. Florence again, I pray that God will undergird you with His grace and encompass about you His love, His mercy and His peace. And may God bless the entire Harrison family and all its relatives and friends.”

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