Louise P. Harrison

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Louise Parks Harrison’s journey began on February 2, 1930, when she was born to the late Pleas and Georgia Parks. The youngest of three children, she carried a gentle spirit, a quiet strength, and a willingness to help wherever she was needed.

At an early age, she confessed Christ and united with Green Street Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Andrew Mosley, Sr. Over the years, she served faithfully on the Usher Board, in Circle #2, as head of the Kitchen Committee, as a Matron, and ultimately as an ordained Deaconess under Reverend Kirk C. Ellison, Sr.

Later, she united with the Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Rodney T. Morton, where she remained a devoted and active member until her passing. A faithful and dependable member, she gave freely of her gifts in the Nurse’s Guild, Senior Citizen Ministry, the summer feeding program, and again as a cornerstone of the Kitchen Committee.

Known throughout the community for her extraordinary cooking skills, she was a gifted and generous mentor who delighted in teaching others. Her remarkable organizational abilities, paired with her love for preparing meals, blessed countless church programs, community events, and special gatherings across the city. Her kitchen was her ministry—every dish seasoned with love, every meal prepared with care, every act of service offered with kindness. She became widely known as a woman who could feed a crowd with ease, creating meals that nourished both body and spirit.

Her culinary talents extended into her professional life as well. She served faithfully in the Child Nutrition Program for both Dallas County and Selma City Public Schools. Over a remarkable 33-year career, she rose to become the CNP Manager at Knox Elementary School, retiring in 1993. During her time in the school system, she touched countless students, teachers, staff, and families, ensuring that each child she served received not just a meal but the love and care that accompanied it.

In addition to her service in the kitchen, she used her talents as a hairdresser, skillfully styling the hair of many women and girls in the community. Her home became a place of beauty, fellowship, conversation, and connection. She balanced her many roles with grace, humility, and an unshakable commitment to doing everything “as unto the Lord.” She was an active member of the Heroines of Jericho, Sojourner Truth Chapter #65, and Phyllis Wheatley Chapter #656, Order of the Eastern Star. She was united in marriage to the late John D. Harrison, Sr, in a partnership that flourished for 53 years. Their union was blessed with five children, and together they built a home centered on faith, family, and service. She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Eddie Parks; her sister, Annie Bell Parks Washington; her beloved husband, John D. Harrison, Sr.; her son, Eddie W. Harrison, Sr.; and her beloved son-in-law, Clifton E. Elder. She approached her life with a firm belief that “things would work out,” a phrase she lived and passed down to her family.

She leaves to cherish her memory and continue the legacy: four loving children, Ronnie Harrison and John D. Harrison, Jr., both of Selma, Alabama, Deborah Elder of Cottondale, Alabama, and Ira (Ricky) Austin of Selma, Alabama; six devoted grandchildren, Kenneth (Rochelle) Harrison of Calera, Alabama, Eddie W. (EJ) Harrison and Chanice Harrison of Hyattsville, Maryland, RickyAustin, Jr. of Selma, Alabama, and Greyson and Cameron Belton of Calera, Alabama; nieces, Wanda and Vanessa Goodwin of Selma, Alabama; great-niece, Ashlyn Goodwin of Selma, Alabama; a cherished cousin, Roosevelt (Barbara) Harris of Titus, Alabama; five loving Godchildren, Eddie Mae Crum of Montgomery, Alabama, Ivery Williams, Sherry Jackson, Gwendolyn Cleveland, and Coretta Smith, all of Selma, Alabama; three God-Grandchildren, Iverianna Williams of Birmingham, Alabama, Ivan Williams of Huntsville, Alabama and Chase Brown of Montgomery, Alabama;  special friends who became sisters, Jean Taylor, and Sarah Carthen of Selma, Alabama; five great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, family members and friends. Her life was a testament to unwavering faith, tireless service, and boundless generosity. Her commitment to serving others has left a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 12 Noon from Tabernacle Baptist Church with the Reverend Otis Culliver, officiating.  Interment will follow in the Pineview Memory Gardens with Aubrey Larkin's Lewis Brothers Funeral Home serving with excellence through professional service.

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