Harrison, Earlene W.

Earlene W. Harrison, 78, of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday, June 15, 2010, in her home. Services: 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 21, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids, by Pastor William Perkins of Bethel A.M.E. Church. Family will greet friends from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Survivors include her children, Tobey Harrison of Cedar Rapids, John Harrison of San Diego, Calif., and Earlene Renee Harrison of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; one grandchild, Caden Harrison; her siblings, Marie Winfrey of Chicago, Vernon Winfrey of Franklin, Tenn., Chrysteen Richard of Jackson, Miss., Marvie Beatrice Frazier of Benton, Miss., and Katie L. Simms of Compton, Calif.; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; and siblings, Lee Willis Winfrey, Overtis Winfrey and Trenton Winfrey.

Earlene was born July 18, 1931, the daughter of Elmore and Ora Beatrice (Woods) Winfrey, in Carroll County, Miss. On Sept. 1, 1963, she was united in marriage to John W. Harrison in Chicago at Morningstar Baptist Church. He died Nov. 8, 1983.

Earlene enjoyed visiting with her family and friends and was always doing for others and uplifting their spirits. She was a member of Church Women United, Religious Book Study Club, Morningstar Baptist Church (Chicago), and Bethel A.M.E. Church, where she served as trustee, class leader and usher. Earlene always greeted people with a smile, enjoyed cooking, gardening and shared whatever she grew.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Mercy Hospice, 315 18th Ave., Hiawatha, IA 52233, in memory of Earlene.

Please sign the online guest book for Earlene at under obituaries.