"Elbert was such a loving man! The best Grandpa a child could ever ask for. I will never forget all the good times my daughter Kenya Harrison and I had with him and grandma Marhta when we would go to San Diego to visit them. We will miss you Elbert and we love you always and forever!!"
In loving memory of
Elbert Harrison
February 6, 1948 - January 8, 2021
Elbert Harrison was the fifth of eleven children born to parents Gertrude and Ezekiel Harrison. Elbert attended Emerson Elementary School, Memorial Junior High School, and San Diego High School in San Diego, California. He graduated from High School in 1966 and joined the U.S. Army shortly thereafter. He received the Army Commendation Medal while serving in Pleiku, Vietnam. For several years Elbert worked for San Diego Transit and later for the City of San Diego in several capacities, including as supervisor for Parking Enforcement and Management. In addition, he often gifted his family and friends with his self-taught construction and auto mechanics skills.
In 1981, Elbert was united in marriage with Martha B. Hedgley. Their blended family included Martha's two daughters and Elbert's two sons. His family meant everything to him.
Elbert was truly a family man. He was an exemplary husband, father, and grandfather. He remained loyal to his brothers and sisters as well. He demonstrated his love by always being available to offer advice and help in any way possible.
Elbert enjoyed traveling across country in the family's van or motorhome. Fishing or camping was exciting and hilarious with his wonderful sense of humor. Elbert filled the family atmosphere with his music. To his grandchildren, there was nothing comparable to his ghetto spaghetti (that he taught them to call, "skgetti") or his enchiladas.
Elbert had strong faith in God and His word. He continued to grow in The Word as he and Martha studied and served together in several churches in the San Diego community. At Phillips Temple CME (his childhood church), he sang in the choir, served as Sunday School Superintendent, and a trustee, under Pastors Bertram Jackson and Marshall Sharpe. Under Pastor Ray Smith he served as chairman of the trustee board at United Missionary Baptist Church. He was ordained as a deacon under the tutelage of Dr. H.L. Ferrell at Grace Missionary Baptist Church. He served there as a trustee at Grace as well. With the devoted help of members of the Bonita Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Elbert was ordained into the office of Priest in Aaronic Priesthood and into the office of Elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood. His amazing strength and grace was shown during his illness, a real testimony of his faith.
Elbert was a devoted husband and father, a most loyal and dependable friend, a humble and encouraging man, and was loving and faithful to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Elbert was preceded in death by his parents, as well as brothers Moses Jordan, Arthur Lee Harrison, Earnest Harrison, and John Harrison.
On January 8, 2020, Elbert Harrison was called to eternal rest. He leaves to cherish his memory his bride of thirty-nine years, Martha; two sons Elbert Harrison, Jr. and Anthony Leon Harrison; two daughters Angela Hedgley-Garber and Andrea Hetheru; six grandchildren Jason Garber, Clara Hetheru, Jared Garber, Kenya Harrison, Ja'Naya Harrison, and Jaylen Harrison; a grandson-in-love, Rashaad Brooks-Provost; and one great-grandson Jaxon Garber; four brothers Saladin Abdullah, Michael Harrison, Curtis Harrison, and Keith Harrison; two sisters Alice Pargo and Lori Harrison; as well as sisters-in-law Barbara Harrison and Cynthia Harrison. Family-in-love: (Martha's Family) Oscar and Sophia Harrell, Clara Douglas, Gwendolyn and Ronald Coleman
Elbert Harrison will be missed. He will forever be in our hearts.
Tributes
"Elbert and I became friends when we worked together at the World Trade Center. He had an impressive NFL football defensive player type of physique. It was in contrast with his gentle, kind, helpful and funny personality. I will always remember Elbert as a hard worker that loved his family and spoke frequently of them. Rest In Peace my friend. Janice"
"Elbert and I would talk for hours at a time when I was on light duty in Parking Management. Elbert grew up with my mom and they use to walk to school together (what a small world). Elbert introduced me to Smokie Norfolk music and how to navigate my career in Parking. Not long ago, one of my co-worker and I stopped by his home and this was the last time, I sat at this giant?s feet for wisdom and laughter. Rest well my friend in the arms of Jesus! Cylnthia Long"