Dr. Antoinette Fuhr Harrison, 80, a retired Northeastern State University professor, died Friday in Muskogee. Harrison was known in Muskogee has a tireless volunteer. She was honored by Soroptomists International of Muskogee as the group's Woman of Distinction in 2004 — one day before she turned 76. A longtime friend and fellow volunteer, Johni Wardwell praised Harrison Friday for her tireless work in getting Habitat for Humanity started in Muskogee. Her passion was Habitat for Humanity, Women Build and the Salvation Army Auxiliary, of which she is past president. Wardwell said Harrison was always looking for ways to bring the community together. "Everybody can fill uplifted when they do something for somebody else," she used to say. She once said she "grew up in a family that public service is who we were." She earned a bachelor's degree in English and French from Langston University, a master's in counseling and guidance from the University of South Carolina and doctorate degree in education from the University of Oklahoma. She retired as an associate professor of education at Northeastern State University. She has been a tireless worker in the Grace Episcopal Church. She believed herself to be an eternal optimist. She claimed she never wanted to be a teacher — "but I'm good at it." She was active in Rotary International, Girl Scouts, Muskogee Arts Council, Muskogee Literacy Council, Muskogee Public Schools, Green Country Behavioral Health Services Board and Head Start, to name a few. "I see her as a builder of people," Wardwell said. "She really was one of the kind of people you feel good about — she couldn't ever understand negativity." Roberta Scott of Indian Capital Technology Center loved the way Harrison dressed. "She wore beautiful clothes and beautiful hats — she looked gorgeous," Scott recalled. "She was a beautiful lady and volunteered for everything in this town. Harris's friend and sorority sister in college and co-worker at NSU, Jocelyn Lee Payne, once said Harrison "is tireless in her efforts to make the world a better place." She married her husband, Floyd Harrison, a classmate from high school, on her birthday, Nov. 5, 1954, in Seattle, Wash., while he was stationed there. They had three children and traveled and worked in many places, including Germany and Ethiopia. Her husband preceded her in death.
Muskogee Phoenix
Donna Hales

Antoinette Fuhr Harrison was born November 5, 1928 in Muskogee, Oklahoma and passed away gently to the Lord on May 29, 2009. An adored wife, mother, friend and teacher, Antoinette shared her love and wisdom with her family, friends and students. She was known as the most thoughtful, delightful person who always had a smile on her smooth and peaceful face. Antoinette left Muskogee in 1946 and went to Langston University where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in French. Her Master's Degree in Counseling was from the University of South Carolina and later she obtained her PhD in Educational Technology from the University of Oklahoma. Antoinette found great satisfaction from teaching for 22 years at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. She loved learning and found particular delight in discovering new ways to keep her lessons interesting. In 1954 Antoinette met and married her classmate Floyd Harrison and they traveled abroad spending time in several European countries. Germany was a particularly favorite place where she and a friend opened a shop in the community. Antoinette returned home with her husband in 1975. Together they raised three beautiful children. Antoinette's retirement was the beginning of her opportunities as a volunteer. She was a naturally curious person and became involved with every organization she could. Antoinette belonged to two Salvation Army organizations. She was on the advisory board and a member of the Women's Auxiliary. For three years she was involved with Habitat for Humanity and played a key role in Muskogee's first Women Build. She also was involved with the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, and Women of Vision who are a group who visits with area high school students to try to instill a vision for themselves. Antoinette also volunteered at the Muskogee Visitor's Center on U.S. 69. She was a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and served as President of the local chapter. She volunteered as well at the Muskogee Regional Medical Center and was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church. Antoinette is survived by her sons Theodore and Michael and many cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her mother Riva Fuhr, father Antoine Fuhr, husband Floyd Harrison and daughter Amanda. A Memorial Tribute will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 10:00 AM at Grace Episcopal Church. Rev. Norman Alexandria will officiate.
Published in the Muskogee Phoenix on 6/1/2009