She was born July 5, 1932, in Oneonta, the daughter of Raymond and Marguerite (Brandow) Miller. She married Carter H. Harrison on July 25, 1954 at the Elm Park United Methodist Church, Oneonta. He died May 26, 1993.
She graduated from Oneonta High School in 1949 and from State University College at Oneonta in 1953. Meryl was a resident of Oneonta for most of her life. In her early years she taught second grade in Scotia and Binghamton before returning to teach in Oneonta.
Meryl enjoyed reading and music and frequently attending concerts, plays, and went antiquing. She had a passion for travel and was fortunate to have traveled extensively with family and friends. She was an avid Duke basketball fan and never missed a game. As a lifelong member of Elm Park United Methodist Church, Oneonta, she was head of Education and taught Sunday School, was a member of the Ad Council and past chairman and former trustee. She was a member of the UMW and former President and Treasurer as well as member of craft and book groups and she served as a member and officer of Boards of Church Women United. In addition, Meryl was a member of PEO and past President and former member and head of the PEO State Finance Committee. She enjoyed membership in the AAUW and served as a past officer and active member of the book group. In the 1960s and 1970s she was active as a leader in 4-H.
She is survived by her three loving children, Carter Harrison, Carlisle, PA; Dianne Tokar, Miller Place, NY; and Douglas Harrison, New York, NY. In addition, Meryl was blessed with two granddaughters and their loving husbands, Brianna and Adriano Scacchi of Massapequa Park, NY; Brittany and Scott Siegle and a great-granddaughter Grace Mae Siegle of Doylestown, PA. In addition, she is also survived by her three nephews James, Derek and Dennis Van Deusen as well as cousins.
Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her sister, Marjorie Van Deusen.
Graveside services will be held at 1pm Saturday, November 7th at Oneonta Plains Cemetery with Donna Taylor Martin, Pastor, Elm Park United Methodist Church officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Elm Park United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.
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