Celebration of Life
Friends of the River Community Center-Holiday Shores Subdivision
20450 CR 510 B
Brazoria, TX
77422
Sunday, June 21, 2026
12:30pm-2:30pm
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Jerry Don Harrison
October 28, 1940 - May 18, 2026
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Jerry Don Harrison
October 28, 1940 - May 18, 2026
Our dearly loved Jerry Don Harrison, 85, entered his heavenly home on Monday, May 18, 2026. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, Jerry leaves behind a legacy of hard work, quiet strength, integrity, devotion to family, and unwavering values.
Jerry was born on October 28, 1940, in Humphrey, Arkansas to Margie Rene Youngblood Harrison and James William Harrison. He spent his early years growing up on a farm, picking cotton alongside his family before they later moved to Pine Bluff Arkansas during his teenage years.
As a young man, Jerry moved to Texas, where he met the love of his life, Cecilia Ann Gernand Harrison, in Freeport. Together they built a beautiful life and shared 60 years of marriage before Cecilia's passing on October 27, 2023.
Jerry was a simple man in the best sense of the word - humble, hardworking, dependable, and deeply devoted to his family. After losing their parents at a young age, Jerry helped raise his two youngest brothers, Buddy and Joe, always putting family first. Through his sacrifices and example, all of his children became first-generation college graduates from major Texas universities.
A skilled steel fabricator, Jerry approached everything he did with precision and pride. He believed in doing things the right way and taught those around him the value of hard work, integrity, and personal responsibility. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened because his words carried wisdom, honesty, and meaning.
Jerry also had a witty sense of humor that kept his family laughing through the years. Some of the family's favorite memories include him reading Dr. Seuss books over and over to his children and even making ''green eggs and ham'' come to life in the kitchen, as Joe fondly recalls. Another treasured memory was when he challenged his kids to dig their own swimming pool because the family couldn't afford one. What started as a challenge turned into a family and neighborhood project as the community came together to help, and the pool became the gathering place for countless joyful memories.
He loved working with his hands and could build or fix just about anything. One of his proud creations was a handmade grill where he cooked unforgettable BBQ for family and friends. He also built a desk that all of the kids used for homework over the years. He created countless memories taking the kids fishing off the jetties and crabbing in the canals, teaching them not only practical skills but also the simple joy of being together outdoors.
Jeff affectionately remembers working on his car with his dad, learning everything from oil changes and tune ups to brake jobs and even replacing a clutch. These experiences inspired Jeff to pursue an Engineering degree. Jerrod fondly remembers how Jerry extended the boys' go-carts because they had grown too tall to fit in them. As a child, Liz loved following him around during home projects and credits him for the mechanical aptitude and confidence she carries today. The family also cherishes memories of weekend breakfasts filled with bacon, eggs, and his famous ''paw-paw potatoes,'' affectionately named by Jeff.
Jerry is survived by his daughter, Liz Harrison Pires (Luis); son, Jeff Harrison (Cheri); twin granddaughters, Abigail and Audri Ana; son, Jerrod Harrison (Belinda); grandsons, Cooper and Nicholas; sister, Marnell Parker (Jack); brother, Joe Harrison (Susan); and numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.
There was surely a joyful reunion in heaven as Jerry was reunited with his beloved wife, Cecilia; his parents, Margie and James; sisters, Girldean ''Dean,'' Linda and Kay; brothers, Havis ''Sonny'' and James ''Buddy''; and grandchildren, Megan and Matthew Szabo.
Jerry's Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Friends of the River Community Center, located at 20450 CR 510 B Brazoria, TX 77422 in the Holiday Shores Subdivision. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Jerry's life. We will share hors d'oeuvres, listen to some of Jerry's favorite music, tell stories, and enjoy the fellowship of being together as we honor and celebrate a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
October 28, 1940 - May 18, 2026
Our dearly loved Jerry Don Harrison, 85, entered his heavenly home on Monday, May 18, 2026. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, Jerry leaves behind a legacy of hard work, quiet strength, integrity, devotion to family, and unwavering values.
Jerry was born on October 28, 1940, in Humphrey, Arkansas to Margie Rene Youngblood Harrison and James William Harrison. He spent his early years growing up on a farm, picking cotton alongside his family before they later moved to Pine Bluff Arkansas during his teenage years.
As a young man, Jerry moved to Texas, where he met the love of his life, Cecilia Ann Gernand Harrison, in Freeport. Together they built a beautiful life and shared 60 years of marriage before Cecilia's passing on October 27, 2023.
Jerry was a simple man in the best sense of the word - humble, hardworking, dependable, and deeply devoted to his family. After losing their parents at a young age, Jerry helped raise his two youngest brothers, Buddy and Joe, always putting family first. Through his sacrifices and example, all of his children became first-generation college graduates from major Texas universities.
A skilled steel fabricator, Jerry approached everything he did with precision and pride. He believed in doing things the right way and taught those around him the value of hard work, integrity, and personal responsibility. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened because his words carried wisdom, honesty, and meaning.
Jerry also had a witty sense of humor that kept his family laughing through the years. Some of the family's favorite memories include him reading Dr. Seuss books over and over to his children and even making ''green eggs and ham'' come to life in the kitchen, as Joe fondly recalls. Another treasured memory was when he challenged his kids to dig their own swimming pool because the family couldn't afford one. What started as a challenge turned into a family and neighborhood project as the community came together to help, and the pool became the gathering place for countless joyful memories.
He loved working with his hands and could build or fix just about anything. One of his proud creations was a handmade grill where he cooked unforgettable BBQ for family and friends. He also built a desk that all of the kids used for homework over the years. He created countless memories taking the kids fishing off the jetties and crabbing in the canals, teaching them not only practical skills but also the simple joy of being together outdoors.
Jeff affectionately remembers working on his car with his dad, learning everything from oil changes and tune ups to brake jobs and even replacing a clutch. These experiences inspired Jeff to pursue an Engineering degree. Jerrod fondly remembers how Jerry extended the boys' go-carts because they had grown too tall to fit in them. As a child, Liz loved following him around during home projects and credits him for the mechanical aptitude and confidence she carries today. The family also cherishes memories of weekend breakfasts filled with bacon, eggs, and his famous ''paw-paw potatoes,'' affectionately named by Jeff.
Jerry is survived by his daughter, Liz Harrison Pires (Luis); son, Jeff Harrison (Cheri); twin granddaughters, Abigail and Audri Ana; son, Jerrod Harrison (Belinda); grandsons, Cooper and Nicholas; sister, Marnell Parker (Jack); brother, Joe Harrison (Susan); and numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.
There was surely a joyful reunion in heaven as Jerry was reunited with his beloved wife, Cecilia; his parents, Margie and James; sisters, Girldean ''Dean,'' Linda and Kay; brothers, Havis ''Sonny'' and James ''Buddy''; and grandchildren, Megan and Matthew Szabo.
Jerry's Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Friends of the River Community Center, located at 20450 CR 510 B Brazoria, TX 77422 in the Holiday Shores Subdivision. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Jerry's life. We will share hors d'oeuvres, listen to some of Jerry's favorite music, tell stories, and enjoy the fellowship of being together as we honor and celebrate a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.