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In memory of

Elizabeth Ann Harrison

Shawnee, Kansas

November 10, 1948 - May 13, 2020

Nov 10, 1948 - May 13, 2020

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Celebration of Life
“To everything there is a season…..a time for every purpose under Heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1

“A Time to be Born”
Elizabeth “Beth” Ann Harrison was born on November 10, 1948 to Ed Lee and Thelma Cheney Honeycutt of Humboldt, Kansas. She was the seventh of ten children.

“A Time to Plant and Harvest”
She received her formal education in Humboldt Public Schools where she was inducted into Who’s Who for her academic achievements.

Beth earned her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education in 1970 and a Master’s in Reading in 1971 from Emporia State Teachers College.

On July 7, 1979, she was united in holy matrimony to Charles Edward Harrison of Kansas City, KS. To this union two daughters were born, Candace and Elisa.

She accepted Christ into her life as a child and joined the Poplar Grove Baptist Church. Beth has served in numerous capacities not only in her local church, but also in the district, and state. Beth was a faithful and committed member of the Second Baptist Church for over 40 years. While there, she served in the following ministries: Deaconess, Naomi Circle, Adult Choir, Baptist Training Union, Sunday School, Principal of the School of Christian Education, Vacation Bible School, Children’s Church, Co-leader of Marriage Enrichment Classes, and Freedom School. She was instrumental in organizing and laying the foundation for the School of Christian Education. “I am a C, I am a CH, I am a CHRISTIAN…This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad!” This is just a sample of the praises you would hear resounding from the sanctuary on Saturday mornings. The School of Christian Education served as an academic and spiritual outreach for the Kansas City Metropolitan Area for over thirty years. Hundreds of children were impacted by her visionary and enthusiastic leadership. The Kaw Valley District, Kansas State Convention, and Camp Ascension were blessed by teaching abilities and guidance.

In May 2015, Beth became a member of Shiloh Community Church under Pastor Marion Ray, Jr. She was described as an angel they had been waiting on! At Shiloh, Beth served in several ministries which included Children’s Church, Pastor’s Aide Committee, Community Outreach, Special Services Director, and Prayer Team. She was a mighty prayer warrior who uplifted all those who crossed her path.

Beth began her teaching career in 1972 as one of the first African American teachers in the Shawnee Mission School District. Her generous heart, vivacious personality, and bubbly disposition would brighten any room at Flint and Mill Creek Elementary. Her classroom motto was: “Good, Better, Best. Never Let it Rest. Until your Good is Better and your Better is Best!” Everyone will remember her elaborate productions of the Wizard of Oz and her inspiring Black History programs at Mill Creek. After forty years, Beth retired from the Shawnee Mission School District. She went on to teach in the Olathe School District at Pioneer Trail Middle School and was a substitute teacher throughout the district. It was no surprise, that Beth received the Teacher of the Year award in both the Olathe and Shawnee Mission School Districts. In 2006, she was inducted into the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame. What an outstanding achievement!

Beth was also very influential in her community. As an active member of the NAACP and assisted with the annual Freedom Fund Banquet. She co-led the Good News Club at Emerson Elementary. Beth was a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc.

“A Time to Fly”
On the morning of May 13, 2020, the Lord peacefully tapped this beautiful butterfly on the shoulder and welcomed her home. Beth’s parents: Ed Lee and Thelma Cheney Honeycutt, brother Johnny Ray Honeycutt, loving in laws Bruce and Geneva Harrison, and sister-in-love Amenia Taylor- Smith preceded her in death.

“A Time to be Remembered”
She leaves to cherish her memories, her devoted husband of 41 years, Charles Edward Harrison; three daughters: Candace Anderson (Terence), Elisa Harrison, and Crystal Stokes (David), two sons: Arthur Harrison (Armisha), and Byron McKinney. Four brothers: Andrew Honeycutt (D’Ann), Michael Honeycutt (Yvonne), Steve Honeycutt (Renee), and Philip Honeycutt (Gina); four sisters: Carol Marell (Roosevelt), Cora Lee Smith, Nona Kay Honeycutt, and Mary Davis; brothers-in-love: LaRyan Harrison (Carolyn), Robert Harrison (Tanya), Relxford Hayes, and Bartlett Hayes; sisters-in-love: Fidella Mackey, Patsyanna Easley, Deonne Brown, Renne Adkins, Markenna Williams, and Brenda Austin Hayes. Six cherished grandchildren: Madison Reddick, James “Jay “Reddick III, Trent Anderson, Tere’sha Anderson, Jawuan Manning, and Arthur “AJ” Harrison Jr.; one great-granddaughter, Khloe Mathis, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, students, and friends.

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In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Shiloh Community Church.

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