Laura Marlow Harrison

Laura Marlow Harrison had a lifelong love and appreciation for living things. Born as a child of "the great depression", she lived as a steward of God's blessings. Laura was the next to youngest child of six children. With a sister just months younger Laura spent a great deal of her early years outside working with her father on their family farm in Carroll County Georgia.

Laura graduated from Bowdon High School and West Georgia College, then worked in Atlanta for GE Credit as a secretary. This was during the post war era when all Southern ladies wore suits, heels, hats, and gloves when they were in public. Laura was more comfortable in cut offs or jeans working at the farm. After retirement Laura received an Associates degree from North Georgia Technical College in the field of Horticulture at the age of 70.

Laura's parents, Earl and Bethie Marlow, were life long lovers of Southern gospel and Sacred Harp music. This love of music was shared and passed along to their children. Laura was an accomplished pianist and led her local church choirs and sang with a rich alto voice.

Laura met and married her husband of sixty years, Dumah Harrison, at a singing arranged for young people from neighboring churches and communities. This love of music was shared with their four children who were raised near grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in Carroll County. Laura and Dumah relocated to Habersham County where they became active members of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Together they were part of the Singing Saints and went on several mission trips.

Laura was the creator and owner of "The First Edition", a book store in Carrollton, Georgia. The bookstore provided a means of sharing her love of books with friends and family.

Laura and Dumah enjoyed traveling and shared the excitement of seeing places and people with children and grandchildren. They visited most of the states across the country as well as parts of Europe, meeting new friends along the journey.

Laura's talents extended into her gardening skills. As a member of the Clarkesville Garden Club, Laura was instrumental in establishing the gardens at the Mauldin House in Clarkesville, Georgia. Laura's "green thumb" and love for native plants were appreciated by neighbors, friends, and her children who all benefited from this talent.

Laura, known as Grammie, shared her love and appreciation of growing things, of books, travel, and music with her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also recently shared her appreciation for "heavy metal" with grandchildren and great grandchildren during shooting and target practice sessions.

Laura fought lymphoma for many years. Memorial services will be held at Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, Georgia on Thursday, June 14, 2012, at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

Flowers are appreciated or donations may be made in Laura's honor to Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, 2150 Limestone Parkway, Suite 222, Gainesville, GA 30501.

Condolences may be sent at www.hillsidememorialchapel.com.

Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville. 706-754-6256.