Marjorie Eloise Raby Harrison

Marjorie Eloise Raby Harrison, 81, passed away the evening of June 30th after an extended illness. A native of Macon, she was born at the old Macon Hospital across the street from her grandparents’ home and was the daughter Mr. and Mrs. James Swint Raby. She attended Bibb County schools and was a 1963 graduate of Miller High School. After high school she attended Crandall Junior College and married her high school sweetheart, G. B. (Ben) Harrison. He continued school while she worked until he was called for military service. Their first two duty stations were Brunswick and Mayport, easily convenient to home. His last year in the navy they spent at Rota Naval Air Station in Spain. That year abroad gave them both a taste for traveling which they were later to indulge.

After the navy they settled in the Atlanta area buying their first house in Stone Mountain. Eloise learned to be a gracious hostess from her mother. Many were the weekends nieces and nephew and their friends stayed at their home while in college and long afterward. When longer term accommodations were needed for summer jobs or internships, the guest rooms were always ready. A regular ritual during the days in Stone Mountain was “T.P.”- short for tea party, usually about 10:00 pm. That meant a choice of multiple flavors of Bryer’s Ice Cream, at least three different types of Pepperidge Farm cookies, and ice cold milk in a frosty mug.

In 2003 she and Ben began a new era in their life together when they moved back to Macon. They bought and restored a home in the North Highlands neighborhood, and began to travel in earnest. Italy and Ireland were favorite destinations and there were multiple trips to both as well as sites all over the world. Where Eloise went, she made friends. The English lady with two young grandsons who were waiting in line behind them at some site on their first trip to Ireland became a fast friend. On a subsequent trip Eloise and Ben visited her at her summer home in Normandy. The Irish artist she commissioned to do a painting for her that same trip later came with his wife to visit them in Macon.

She was preceded in death by her parents as well as her older sister, Mary Ann Lancaster and her nieces, Jennifer Barfield and Anna Harrison. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Ben Harrison, nephew John Barfield (William Bercini), niece Kate Barfield Rockwell (Danny), brother-in-law and sister in law, Randy and Evelyn Harrison, and nieces and nephew, Jennifer Harrison Stewart (Donald), Mary Beth Harrison Titsworth, Clint Harrison (Jeanne), and nine great-nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of her life on Saturday, July 11, at the home of John Barfield and William Bercini from 4:00 to 8:00pm at 7777 Zebulon Road, Macon. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a contribution to Centenary Methodist Church.

The family especially wishes to thank Nicole, Sherika, Pam, Cayla, Meghan and all the other care givers from Brightmoor Hospice who have loved and taken wonderful care of her over the past several years.

Please visit www.sardisheardfunerals.com to express condolences.

Sardis-Heard Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 6125 Houston Road, Macon, GA 31216 has charge of the arrangements.