Arthurine Armour Harrison

Unknown - Nov 7th, 2010
  • Birth Date: Unknown
  • Death Date: Nov 7, 2010
  • Funeral Date: Unknown
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Biography: Into the hands of our merciful God, Arthurine Armour Harrison, 71, departed the bonds of this earth early Sunday, November 7, 2010, "All Saints Sunday." Preceding her in death, were her parents, Arthur Samuel Armour, Addie Ethel Armour Brumley, stepfather, James A Brumley, Sr., and stepbrother Terry Brumley, all of Many, Louisiana. Also preceding her was her husband of 49 years, H. L. "Kenny" Harrison, who adored her. Arthurine leaves a daughter, Rhonda Harrison Hestir (Mike), of Heber Springs, Arkansas, and her beloved only grandchild, Harrison Michael Hestir, who called her "Grandy". She also leaves a sister, Claudine Armour Mizell (Roy) of Many, Louisiana; a stepbrother, James Alfice Brumley, Jr. (Lanelle) of Walkerville, Louisiana; a stepsister, Marjorie Ebarb of Houston, Texas; and two special brothers-in-law, Ray Harrison (Nancy) of Livingston, Texas, and Jerry Harrison (Whitney) of Woodville, Mississippi, as well as many cousins, neices and nephews. She also leaves her special canine companion, Pebbles, who will now have Harrison Michael Hestir as her master. Growing up in Louisiana, Arthurine graduated from Many High School in 1957, and with a degree in education from Louisiana Tech University in 1960. There she met Kenny Harrison, and they were married in August of 1960, and they lived in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Arthurine began her career teaching early elementary students. She continued her education by earning a Masters degree at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Their only child, Rhonda was born, in January of 1970, the family moved to Little Rock. Touching lives through her leadership was Arthurine's life's work. Serving as Headmistress 16 of her 19 years at The Cathedral School, "Mrs. Harrison" lovingly led hundreds of children, parents and faculty. More recently, she poured her heart into her position as Director of Volunteers at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, and as a trainer for the Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Volunteerism, and was rewarded with many accomplishments, not the least of which was innumerable deep friendships. Arthurine's self-proclaimed "therapy" was working in her yard. She loved flowers, and grew a vegetable garden for many years. She was an avid reader, and enjoyed attending musical and theatrical events, as well as supporting her favorite causes, such as the annual Pinnacle Mountain "Rendezvous", and The Cathedral School. Arthurine's family is exceedingly grateful for the expert and loving care she received from Dr. Konstantinos Arnaoutakis, and his staff, especially Anita and Amanda, and the Medical Oncology Department of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Treatment Institute at UAMS. We are grateful for the professional care of the Infusion Center nurses at UAMS. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Reed Thompson and his Pallative Care Team, and to UAMS Hospital nurses Linda S. and Todd, who provided comfort and care to both Arthurine and her family her last day there. Praise and thanks go to Dr. Wyatt and the angels on staff at Arkansas Hospice Center, especially Kathryn, Cynthia, and Patricia. Arthurine was a parishoner of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral for over 30 years. Deep appreciation goes to the caring clergy from the Cathedral who were vigilant in their care of Arthurine, especially since beginning her battle with cancer in May of this year, offering constant phone calls, prayers, visits and encouragement. A service to celebrate the life of Arthurine will be held at 10 am, Wednesday, November 10 at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 310 West Seventeenth St, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72206 Reception following in Morrison Hall. Memorials may be made to the Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Research Institute at UAMS, 1401 West Capitol, Suite 300, Little Rock, AR 72201; the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Attn: Donor Services, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265; The Cathedral School, 1616 S. Spring St., Little Rock, AR 72206; the Humane Society of Central Arkansas, 14600 Colonel Glenn Rd., Little Rock, AR 72210; Arkansas Hospice Center, 14 Parkstone Cr., North Little Rock, AR 72116 or Partners for Pinnacle, P.O. Box 17643, Little Rock, AR 72223. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com

Condolences(35)
Anna-Marie Baumgardner Walloch
#35
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Very sorry to hear of your loss. She had a tremendous impact on my life and I have very fond memories of her from The Cathedral School. An amazing woman.
Cecilia Patterson
#34
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Rhonda,
I had the privilege and pleasure of working with your mom for 6 years as program director for the Arkansas Community Foundation during her tenure at DHS/DOV. We spent many hours together planning and implementing our annual Summit Conference for nonprofit managers. She was unflagging in her enthusiasm for making sure that every "i" was dotted and every "t" crossed so that the conference would go off without a hitch. What a dear, sweet lady and loyal friend! I pray that sweet memories can help ease your pain during this very difficult time.
Cecilia
Elizabeth Deal Miller
#33
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Rhonda,

I attended The Cathedral School from 4th through 7th grades. Your mom was my 4th grade teacher before she became Headmistress. Your mother was a fine lady and what a legacy she has left behind. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Elizabeth Deal Miller

Bill and Dianne Farris
#32
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Rhonda, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. We have been praying for her. We did not know her personally but seems as if she lived a wonderful life. You and your family a dear to us. We miss you and would love to see Harrison. We pray God continues to reign in your life. Your friends, Bill and Dianne Farris
Rebecca Glover
#31
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Rhonda--

I have such fond memories of your friendship and of your mother from our days together at Cathedral School. I am so sorry for your loss and am thinking of you and your family at this time.
Kristin A. Keyes
#30
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Rhonda,

Your mom was an absolute doll.I was always very fond of her,as one of her former students.You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kristin
Walter C. Ebarb
#29
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Rhonda,

I am very sorry for your loss, and pray for you to receive all the grace, strength, and faith that your Mother surely possessed. She was a wonderful woman, and this page only represents a small sample of the lives she exerted a positive influence upon. The Harrison House ensures her legacy will live on, and that is more than most of us will be able to say when our time has come. Your Mother was a beautiful woman, and I will always remember her smile. I have, and will continue to pray for the repose of her soul, and for the blessings of Christ to be upon you and your family. You have my most sincere condolences and sympathy during this difficult time.
Walter C. Ebarb
Amanda Tate
#28
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Ms. Harrison was such a sweet woman. No matter how bad she felt she tried to keep her spirits up. She will be missed dearly. Rhonda so sorry for your loss. She is in a better place now with no more pain.
Ron Salley
#27
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
A complexed ever active ever involved, concerned and caring child of the most high. Arthurine simply wanted whatever she set her mind, heart, soul and spirit to, to reflect a high level of humanity and goodwill! A rare combination of sweetness and hardnosed "let's get this done"attitude. I've been blessed, fortune and amazed at the level of sacrifice this beauty of a human-being has displayed since my arrival to Pinnacle Mountain State Park as the superintendent. There is a void now that can't be filled; nor would she want anyone to try. One of her words of wisdom to me upon our initial meeting "Be the best Ron you can be"! If you love what you are doing and do what you love; once you've done all that you can do-- that is all that you can do". She is cemented in my mind and heart forever.
Carla Hannah Beckendorff
#26
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Of all the teachers/administrators that I had while attending elementary, junior high, high school and college-I don't remember many of them, with the exception of Mrs. Harrison. While a student at The Cathedral School in the 1970's-Mrs. Harrison made an impact on me, she always made me want to do my best, and stay out of trouble! She was a woman of grace & dignity and expected only the best from her students. Thank you Mrs. Harrison for wonderful memories of The Cathedral School! My Mom called me today from Little Rock to let me know-so my prayers to Rhonda & family.
Robert "Bob" Coxon
#25
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Rhonda,

I am truy sorry for the loss of your mother. Arthurine was a great person, loved by all of those meeting her. She has been an inspiration to many people during her lifetime. She will be missed everyone knowing her.
DIANE TIDWELL
#24
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Rhonda-
Your Mom was a precious, funny, thoughtful gem.
I volunteered at Pinnacle Mountain for several years while she was the volunteer coordinator.We had great times together which I will cherish forever.
Bless you and yours during this sad time.
Diane Tidwell
Charles and Anne Allen
#23
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Rhonda and family, Although we never had the opportunity to know you, I had the privilege of knowing and working with your wonderful Mom through the DHS Division of Volunteerism when I served on the Governor's Advisory Council. She was a delightful and dedicated educator whose meaningful contributions will serve others for many years to come. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Your faith and your support from family and friends are your sources of strength.
Markey Ford
#22
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Arthurine and I worked together on the Sprit of 110 Council and in training others in the the world of "Voulunteerism". She gave tremendous encouragement to every life she touched. Our Rackensack musicians served her faithfully many years providing the old time mountain music at the event. Arthurine made us all feel so very proud to be Arkansans during her service as Director of Volunteers at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, and as a trainer for the Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Volunteerism. There's a very special place for her in Heaven held by our friends who have gone on before. Love you, Arthurine. Save me a seat near you, k?

Lisa and Randy Smith
#21
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I first met Arthurine when she became the volunteer director at Pinnacle Mountain State Park - she did so much for the Park and loved every minute of it and I thank the Lord for having brought her into my life. She was so sweet and it really meant so much to me when she came to mine and Randy's wedding. She was so nice to work with and she was such a hard worker. We missed her being at this year's Rendezvous and will miss her from now on also. I know she is at peace now and one day we'll see her again never to say goodbye. God bless her family and He will console you at this time.
Paula Slater
#20
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I was so sad to learn that we had lost such a wonderful lady. Arthurine was always so encouraging and supportive of my efforts at Pinnacle Mountain Rendezvous, and the last contact that I had with her was two weeks before the event this year, when she let me know that she would not be able to come out this year. She was so sweet when I lost my husband earlier this year, sending words of encouragement and prayers. I will always remember her smile and her wonderful words of wisdom. You and your family are in my prayers.
Joni Jacobs Newberg
#19
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Hearing the news that Arthurine had lost her very courageous battle with cancer saddened me so much. She was such an inspiration to me when I was going through my own treatments a few years back. Her cards and calls meant so much. Sometimes it takes these things to reconnect with those we care about and, fortunately, she and I had a great "reconnection". Among the strong members of our family she will stand out as one of the strongest.

I am so sorry that I am unable to make the trip to be part of the celebration of her life but have an appointment Wednesday AM that I cannot rearrange. I will be with you in spirit.

Rhonda, I sincerely hope that you, Mike and Harrison will continue to visit Louisiana because it would be such a shame to lose the bond we have begun to forge.

Please know we all loved and admired your mom.
Maria Johnson
#18
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
My dear Friends, may God's grace abound and His love carry you through this valley. Rhonda, your love and compassion toward your mother these past months is such a testimony of God's love and grace. God bless you. Maria & Al
Susan Howard Smith
#17
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I worked with Arthurine at Department of Arkansas Heritage. Even though we were not the same age, we "clicked" as friends. I always thought of her as a graceful, intelligent, quick-witted lady. She tried to get us to volunteer at "Rendevous" and I never made it. I know that her students, friends and co-workers will remember her fondly. But I imagine there are untold numbers of people who benefitted from her hard work through the Department of Volunteerism and through her work at Pinnacle. My prayers are with the family.
Anita Pagitt
#16
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Ms. Harrison was an inspiration to all and a true picture of courage in the face of adversity. We will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sara Peace Ebarb
#15
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Rhonda, I am thinking of you. Your mother was a very special lady. I remember how proud of her Aunt Addie Ethel and Ma Beasley were. My mother loved her very much and talked about her accomplishments but mostly she talked about what fun they'd had. My heart is heavy for you. I wanted to come but I am home from work with a virus. Please accept my deepest sympathy and best regards. I love you, Sara
Charline P. Manning
#14
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
“She Weaved a Web of Friendship” My friend Arthurine was like a seamstress as she made a mental quilt, patching each person together. In the end, a web of friendship was woven. Friendship is one of the most satisfying things in the world. We will miss her.
My choice
Kathy Phillips
#13
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Rhonda,
I am heartbroken at the thought of not seeing my dear friend again until we meet in heaven. But I know that our grief is nothing compared to your loss, and the loss felt by your entire family. Your mother was a wonderful friend and an awesome mentor to me. Even though we have not been in close touch for the last few years, since I left DOV, I have still treasured our friendship, and when we have had a chance to visit again, it was like we'd picked up right where we left off. Your mother adored you, your husband, and your darling son. I spent much time talking with her at work, and we travelled on many business trips together, through which I got to know you all well -- even tho we have never met. God bless you all and keep you in His comfort during this time.
Allison Dyke Pickell
#12
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Rhonda, I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of your mother. She was a great lady. She will be missed. Know that I am thinking about you & your family. Love Always,
Allison
Martha L. Wilson
#11
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Arthurine was a wonderful person who was dedicated and hard working. I was honored to know her and to be a member of the Spirit of 110 with her for many years. She will be greatly missed by all of the Council Members.

I am sorry for your loss.

Glynda & Jerry Turley
#10
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Rhonda, We are so sorry for your loss. Although we didn't personally know your mom we know that she must have been a great lady because you are. She lives on in you and Harrison. We love you and we will continue our prayers for you.

Glynda & Jerry Turley
Amy and David Ford
#9
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Please know we are praying for you and your family during this difficult time. May God wrap His arms around you and give you comfort. We love you all.
Bill and Gail Baldwin
#8
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Rhonda,
We are so sorry to hear about your Mother. You and your sweet family will be in our hearts and prayers. You are very dear to me and miss seeing you. The above comments from those who knew your Mom for so many years are very precious and I know they are comforting to you............Love,Gail and Bill
Elaine Ratliff
#7
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I am so sorry to hear of your Mother's death. We will pray for your family now and in the days ahead. We miss you.
Eddie & Joyce Hightower
#6
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Our deepest sympathy to you and yours. Your Mom was a very sweet lady. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless and be with you all, Ms Joyce & Eddie
Kathy Adkisson
#5
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
I'm so sorry for your loss. I miss you all.
J. R. DeBusk
#4
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Rhonda, We have been praying for you, and now, we will continue to do so. May the peace of God rest in you heart. God bless, Brother J. R.
Carmen Quinn
#3
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
It is difficult to let Arthurine go, and I will think of her often. She was a wonderful person and a good friend. Rhonda, you and your family are in my prayers.
John / Elaine Kurtz
#2
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Know of many prayers lifting your family during these days of loss.
Eric Kizer
#1
Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am
Dear Rhonda and Family,
I am saddened to hear of the death of your mother.
I thought the world of your mother.
I smile when I look back on all the good times that we used to have together. I remember all the camping trips our families shared together going to the lake, school functions and plays. I remember how much fun we had planning Ms. Phelps birthday party dressing up and driving that Cadillac convertible that we borrowed from Joel Ruminer. I remember the trouble I got in making long distance calls from the school office, and how much your father enjoyed reminding me of my offense. I remember how much your mother enjoyed coming out to my house and fishing in the pond. Your mother was a trooper. She had to be. She helped raise and educate thousands of children to become successful adults. Even me...
Rhonda, even though I have not seen you in years, know that you and your parents have a place in my heart forever.
Much love, Eric Kizer

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