Evelyn A Harrison

Harrison, Evelyn Alice 88 June 28, 1924 Nov. 17, 2012 Evelyn "Billie" Harrison was blessed to live a long life of 88 years until her passing on Nov. 17. She spent her last moments of her long life surrounded by the family she loved so very much. On June 28, 1924, GOD blessed this world with a living angel when Billie was born in Camas, Wash. The family soon moved to Forest Grove, where she graduated from Forest Grove High School and was one of the founding members of the majorettes. Billie later graduated from Western Business College. After graduating she took a job at the Veteran's administration in downtown Portland as a secretary. Billie's heart went out to all the soldiers fighting for our country. So it wasn't unexpected that Billie would give that heart to a soldier that shared her deep love for this country. Billie met Olney Harrison a WWII veteran who was working in the mailroom at the VA. As Billie always said to us "He had the most trusting blue eyes she has ever seen." They married on Nov. 25, 1951, on the steps of the Congregational church in Forest Grove, this marriage would last 60 years. They found their first home in Beaverton. This is where a family of two became a family of five. Billie first gave birth to Diane Gayle, then a year later to Susan Kay, then four years later, Janet Lee. The family moved to their next home in Cedar Hills. Billie took care of the home and raised the girls with the loving and generous heart that a true lady possesses. She also found time to volunteer, at their church, joined the cedar hills garden club, enjoyed ceramics, knitting and sewing. When the girls where all grown and started having children of their own, Olney and Billie moved to their next family home in Hillsboro. This home is where Billie enjoyed watching her grandchildren growing up. During this time she volunteered at OMSI, the Pittock mansion and enjoyed her toll painting classes. Billie also developed life long friendships. She had a group of friends, from grade school, that were happily called "the golden girls." She enjoyed her friend's immensely, and talked of their trips to Hawaii and their frequent lunches. Billie is survived by her husband, Olney; daughters, Diane Saul, Susan Hoffman and Janet Burk; grandchildren, Russ, Kelly, April, Kristen and Gregory; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Alex, Kara, Paxton, Jayden. Billie was many things but always a lady. We as a family will miss her companionship, guidance, protection and especially her unconditional love for all. We thank GOD for sending us this living angel. We love you Grammy and will miss you always and forever. There will be a celebration of her life at Skyline Memorial in Portland. The celebration will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 11 a.m. Please come join us in remembering Billie's inspirational life.

.Published in The Oregonian on November 23, 2012