Ms. Jo Ann Harrison

On February 25, 2024,the Lord called home one of his angels, Jo Ann Harrison. Jo Ann was born on February 1, 1944 to the union of Napoleon and Dora Jane Harrison in Houston, Texas. She was the first born of four children. Jo Ann accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by Pastor Elder C. V. Perry at Lighthouse Church (COGIC) in Houston, Texas in the 1950s. Jo Ann attended Sunnyside Elementary and attended Worthing High School graduating in 1961 with distinguished honors. After she completed high school, she attended Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music in 1965. She later matriculated through Sam Houston State College in Huntsville, Texas where she received her Master of Education degree in 1967. Jo Ann was very intelligent, hardworking, and self-driven. After completing her bachelor degree, she became a teacher in 1965 in Huntsville Independent School District at Sam Houston Elementary where she worked for 5 years. Jo Ann later moved to Houston, Texas continuing her career in education where she worked in the Houston Independent School District at Miller Junior High School. Early in her career she maintained two jobs. In September of 1971, she began working in the summer time for Foley’s Corporation. While working for the company, she received the Outstanding Young Women of America Award in 1976. Jo Ann received additional education and training at Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. Throughout her career she received many accolades and awards. Jo Ann held many positions as an educator. She served as a reading specialist, staff development facilitator, administrator, science specialist, and her last long-standing position as a magnet coordinator. She served in the position of magnet coordinator at J. P. Cornelius Elementary from 1979 until she retired in 2018. Her career in education gave her opportunities to impact students and classroom instruction in so many ways. She worked as an educator for 50 years, educating, encouraging, empowering her students, and mentoring and shaping many teachers into quality educators. Jo Ann served her lifetime of excellence as a proud educator exemplified by successful programs and awards. She was known to many as the “Science Guru” who went above and beyond to ensure that all students received a quality education. Jo Ann was a member of the most prestigious sorority. In 1981, she joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Suburban Houston Fort Bend Alumnae Chapter along with her 4-line sisters being the first line initiated through the chapter; their line was known as “The First Five”. She was also a member of many professional educational organizations including, but not limited to, Phi Delta Kappa, National Science Teachers Association, and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Jo Ann is preceded in death by her parents: Napoleon Harrison and Dora Jane Harrison and her brothers: Napoleon Anthony Harrison, Wilbert Harrison and Alonzo Harrison, sister Bethel Harrison Rolla, and a very special aunt: Hattye Owens. Jo Ann leaves to cherish her lifetime of memories to her sister Doris Cooper. Nieces: Portia Oliphant, Rosalind Hayes, Jessica Clark, Nyia Harrison, Jade Jones, Ursula Nuzzo, Leslie Harrison, and Ethel Sykes. Her nephews: Tony Oliphant, Aundray Rolla, Sr. (Dere), and Alonzo Harrison, Jr. Great niece: Cameron Smith (Caleb), Jasmine Oliphant, and great nephews: Dexter Smith (DJ) Aundray Rolla, Jr., and James Abrom. Sister-in-law: Jean Harrison. Close cousins: Edward Owens, Rissy Owens, Trey Owens, Jo Ann Moore, Joyce Palmer Brown, Akiko Moore, Alana Pineset, and Justin Pineset. Friends: Carolyn Howard, Jeanne Jackson, Sarah Trotty, Glendale Horn, Dr. Bente’ Gage, Leatrice Santee, Karen Higgins, Dorothy Mohammad, Irvin Randle, Norma Martinez, Jacquelyn Cook, Edwina Reese, and Marcus Bland. She leaves a host of cousins, extended family, and close friends. She will be remembered for her beautiful voice, her affectionate smile, and her dedication to serve others.

Ms. Jo Ann Harrison

February 1, 1944 - February 25, 2024