Carol Joyce Harrison

Carol Harrison
Annabella, Utah

    Carol Joyce Shepherd Harrison, 92, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, completed her journey on this earth and returned to her Father in Heaven on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at her home in Annabella. 
    She was born on September 6, 1930 to Frank Ross and Henrietta Cornelia Aretia Van der Weil Shepherd in Salt Lake City; she is the oldest of three children. 
    In 1947, Carol graduated high school at 16 years old, from West High in Salt Lake City. She worked as a bookkeeper for JC Penney and for Grants; she also worked in Grants’ candy and toy departments; she has always had a fondness of sweets and gift giving. 
    She had many dear friendships throughout her years. A few of her longest lifelong friendships were with Alouise, CaroLee and LaVon. In 1952 she, Aloise, and CaroLee set sail on the Lurline ship to Hawaii, where just a month later, in October, she met her wonderful husband on a blind date.  She married her sweetheart, John Lewis Harrison, civilly on June 6, 1953, in the Hickam Air Force Base Chapel in Hawaii. John joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1970, and they were married eternally in the Los Angeles temple on June 12, 1973. 
    In 1956, after John retired from the military, they moved to and settled in Norwalk, CA where they raised their four children. 
    Carol was a loving, caring mother of four boys. She was a devoted wife, mother, and extraordinary grandmother and great-grandmother. She had a close-knit relationship with her family and was a wonderful sister, aunt, and friend. She never missed sending cards and gifts for a birthday, holiday, or any other special occasion. You always knew you were thought of, cherished, loved, and remembered by her sweet gestures of kindness. 
    Carol and John spent vacation times traveling, camping, fishing, and visiting family across the United States. She really appreciated the beauty in life and expressed it in many ways. She was very fond of flowers and plants. All living things loved her, she had one of the greenest thumbs around and tended to her very own gardens in Annabella. 
    Starting first in California and later in Utah, Carol was an avid, long-time bowler with over 30 years in the sport. She bowled for 11 years in this area, retiring in 2014, at 84 years old. 
    In 1989, they bought their home in Annabella and in 1993, they sold their home in California and made Annabella their final residence. 
    Carol served in many church callings, but her favorite was being the church librarian for 23 years. Her compassion for service to her family, others, and her church will always be remembered. She enjoyed reading, writing, and watching her reality shows. Spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren every chance she got was her God given right in which she exercised every chance she got. There was nothing she wouldn’t give. 
    She is survived by her three sons: Brad, Adam and Cory (Celeste); daughter-in-law, Maria; previous daughter-in-law, Michelle (Sam); 13 grandchildren: Emerald, Braeden, Jonathan “Scooter”, Carolyn, Joseph, Kayla, Alexsys, Amanda, Holly, Angel, Camille, Hannah, and Jacob; 11 great- grandchildren: Kaygen, Jaxxon, Karsen, Jace, Braily, Makinzie, Finley, Kamden, Sydler, Clyd, and Mackenzie; sister-in-law, Shirley Shepherd; as well many nieces and nephews. 
    Carol was preceded in death by her husband; her eldest son, John Todd Harrison; parents; siblings: Anton Shepherd, and Frances (LaVere) Brady. 
    In honor and in tribute to the start of their beautiful life shared together, the family has  requested the services be held with a Hawaiian atmosphere and bright colors be worn. 
    The family would like to express their deepest appreciation and gratitude to the Annabella 2nd Ward for their incredible dedication, service, love, and kindness given by her bishops, Relief Society sisters, and numerous friends who continued to come and sit with her in her hardest times, as well as those who weren’t able to come but sent gifts, and many, many prayers. She was very aware of their love and kindnesses and always talked about how special they all were to her, right up to her last days. 
    The family would also like to send a special thank you to the At Home Health Care (hospice) staff, of Salina, for their wonderful care and kindness over the last 2½ years of helping care for our mom; those times they went the extra mile didn’t go unnoticed. 
    Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in the Annabella 2nd Ward Chapel, where viewing will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Burial will be in the Annabella Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com 
    In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to The American Cancer Society or the Maui Relief Fires at https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/strengthening/maui-strong-fund

Live streaming of the services can be found by scrolling below the obituary.