Tolie Brodie Harrison

Tolie Brodie Harrison, was born in Nashville, North Carolina on December 12, 1917 to the late George and Jane Brody, she was received by her Heavenly Father on February 11, 2018 while in the loving arms of her family. Tolie graduated from Nash County Training School. She lived most of her adult life as the school’s good neighbor, having lived across the street where she and her husband Barney supported the many activities there for over six decades. As a result of her dedication to the school, Tolie was honored by the Nash Central Alumni Association in recognition of her years of support and service to the students and teachers of Nash Central. Her support included providing food, a safe haven, words of wisdom, encouragement and lots of fun and games to the hundreds of children from the school and community. She became widely known as “Mama Tolie” to her many children, all of whom she lovingly adopted and treasured dearly. Her life of service extended to her church, Union Hill Missionary Baptist which lists her name sake and maternal grandmother, Tolie Drake-Lucas, as one of the church’s founders. Tolie was a life- long member of Union Hill and the second oldest member of the Church. She worked hard in order for her and our father, Barney, to send nine children to college. She worked at night at China-America Tobacco Factory, picked cotton, and putting in tobacco. She also worked fifteen years at Abbotts Laboratory which enabled her to receive benefits for her family. Tolie can best be remembered for her competitive spirit…she would never let you win. She would fish all day until she caught the biggest fish of the day. Often, she would declare herself as the winner of a game to her opponent before the game began to give herself a psychological edge. Tolie Harrison’s life was lived brilliantly, happy and well lived through her travels both nationally and abroad. She leaves to cherish her memories: A brother, Pernell Alston of Nashville, NC, nine children, Lizzie Lowe, Jacqueline Davis (Donald) Michael Harrison (Brenda), Steven Harrison, and Derek Harrison (Malisha) of Rocky Mount, NC. Vivian, Frank and Audrey Harrison of Hermosa Beach California and Ovetta Harris (Mont) of Maryland. Her beloved grandchildren, are Lori Grant (Rhonney), Richard Lowe (Bonnie), M. Anthony Harrison (Corey), Candice Davis (Eric), Donna Davis, Danelle Davis, Anthena and Anthony Wildman, Khari and Iyin Harris, Derrell Speight and Denzel Harrison. There are a host of grandchildren and great grands; her great nephew, Joel Dempsey, and hundreds of others who felt close enough to call her Ma Tolie. Visitation with family and friends will be Friday, February 16, 2018 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Cornerstone Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 12:00 PM with a viewing from 11:00-12:00 PM at Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Sidney Dunston officiating. Entombment will follow at Oakland Cemetery. In lieu flowers, donations may be made to O.D. Moore Scholarship Foundation at P.O. Box 13 Nashville, North

Tributes

Tolie Brodie Harrison

December 12, 1917 - February 11, 2018