Floyce Jean Steadman Harrison

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Mrs. Floyce Jean Steadman Harrison, 85, died Thursday, June 20, 2013, at the Harrison family home in Blytheville. She was born in Greenville, Miss., May 16, 1928, to the late Luther and Willie Skelton Steadman, and graduated from Greenville High School before attending Mississippi State University. She married former Municipal Judge Max Harrison Dec. 19, 1951, and they had five children.

She was a devoted Christian who believed in taking action on her beliefs in order to make our community a better place. She served on the Session of First Presbyterian Church and was a past president of the Women of the Church. As a past president and life member of Junior Auxiliary, it was during her presidency that they started a kindergarten for underprivileged children. In the early 70s she was a driving force behind the establishment of Presbyterian Christian Academy, an elementary school dedicated to academic excellence and teaching children Christian values. The school impacted hundreds of Blytheville families. Mrs. Harrison served as the school head mistress for several years until suffering a heart attack in 1987.

Later, she served on the board of directors for The Haven and became aware of the need for a residence where abused women could live with their children while trying to reestablish their lives. She took the initiative to write a grant and was awarded the Mississippi County Volunteer of the Year for the founding of such a residence.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Harrison was preceded in death by her husband, Max Beal Harrison; one son, Max Beal Harrison, Jr.; and three brothers.

Her survivors include four children, Melanie Sugg and husband, Jim, of Jonesboro, and Nancy Gurley and husband, Dr. R. Dean Gurley, former Mayor Barrett Harrison and wife Lyn, and Amanda Smart, all of Blytheville.

Her grandchildren are Phil Sugg and wife, Ashley, of Memphis, Dr. Joe Sugg and wife, Alli, of Heber Springs, Katie Gurley, Max Gurley, Will Harrison, Ben Harrison, and Madeline Smart, all of Blytheville, Laura Harrison of Raleigh N.C., and Evan Button of Hot Springs.

She also leaves one great-grandchild, Spencer Sugg, of Heber Springs; and

One expectant great-grandchild.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m.-noon Monday at the First Presbyterian Church. Funeral services will be at noon with the Rev. Mike Wey officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Haven or First Presbyterian Church. Carney Funeral Home is in charge of services. Condolences may be offered at www.carneyfuneralhome.com