VIOLET MARIE PHILLIPS HARRISON

Violet Marie Phillips Harrison age 62, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at home. She was born March 27, 1959 to the late Claude and Wanda Phillips of Clintwood. She attended and graduated from Clintwood High, going to work at Singletons after graduation. There she met a Harrison boy from Clinchco. 42 years ago, on July 7, they had their first date at a pizza place in Norton. On February 14, 1980 Smiddy Harrison and Violet Phillips were united as one in the eyes of God. To this union was born two boys, Jonathan and Matthew.

Violet worked for Behavioral Health of Dickenson County for 20 years and retired from that job in 2019. Violet was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church in Clinchco and her church family was very dear to her. Her joy was in the church and her family. She loved to garden and can the fruits of hers and Smiddy’s labor, not only for themselves and her boys but to give to others. She loved her flowers and had several different flower beds that she kept up and they were always a work in progress. She loved to cook and knew the favorite foods of many people and would prepare those foods for them on special occasions (like lemon pie). She loved their camper and fishing. In fishing, she was equal to (if not better than) Smiddy. And she would want you to know she baited her own hook, took off her own fish and filleted her fish! It was a passion and a pass time they enjoyed together. They enjoyed putting the fillets in the freezer in anticipation of church or family fish fries.

Violet was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer on May 26 of this year. It proved to be aggressive and spread rapidly. She was not strong enough for any treatments but she was okay with that because she put it all in God’s hands and His will be done. She made it home from the hospital on the evening of July 6. Home was where she wanted to be. She heard her fur baby Capone’s bell and knew she was in the house she had lovingly made into a home for her husband, children and granddaughter, Morgan. In the early hours of July 7 Smiddy was awoken by a sound that we Strongly believe was sent from God. He spoke a few words to Violet and made sure she was not in any pain. It was only minutes later that Violet drew her last breath with Smiddy by her side, 42 years from their first date to their last.

Violet was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Roger, Kenneth and Swanson; father and mother-in-law, Howard and Lorena Harrison.

She is survived by her husband of 41 years Smiddy Dean Harrison. Two sons, Jonathan (Jennifer) Harrison of Haysi and Matthew (Keilah) Harrison of the home. She has 1 beautiful granddaughter, Morgan that is the light of her eye and the center of her heart. Also surviving are sisters Mae (John) Mullins and Debbie (Glenn) Stanley; two brothers Creed Phillips and Marvin Phillips all of Clintwood. Brothers-in-law Carter (Kathy) and Joey (Marsha) Harrison of Clinchco, Special nephews Garry, Jr. (Lori) and Larry (Shelley) Kendrick. Special brother-in- law Garry Kendrick (Papaw Willie). Several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and a few great-great- nieces and nephews.

Violet told her sons not to cry. But we cry, not for Violet, but for ourselves. We have lost a wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Prayers are that we will all be together one day in a place where there are no tears, pain or sorrow only joy, joy, joy. Written with love by the family.

A Celebration of Life was held Friday, July 9 at 7 p.m. in the Clintwood Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Joe Fuller officiating. Visitation began at 5 p.m. until time of service. Family and friends were requested to meet at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 10, to proceed to Turner Family Cemetery, Low Gap Road, Clinchco for 11 a.m. graveside service. Pallbearers were Joey Harrison, Colton Harrison, K.K. Kendrick, Logan Kendrick, Mason Kendrick, Steve Rose and Mike Rose. Honorary pallbearers were Garry Kendrick, Jr., Larry Kendrick, Creed Phillips, Marvin Phillips and Carter Harrison.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested memorial donations be made for the purchase of Bibles to the Dickenson County Gideon’s, PO Box 2247, Clintwood, Virginia, 24228.

Online condolences may be made at www.clintwoodfuneralhome.com.

Clintwood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.