Zelta Mae Green Harrison

Zelta Mae Green Harrison of Springdale went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 20, 2024. She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, William Lee Harrison. She was a resident of Westwood Health & Rehab where she was fondly called “Miss Zelta” by all the staff.

Zelta Mae, who was known as “Mae” to her siblings and friends, was born on May 22, 1931, to Algie E. Green and Bertha May Cox Green in Cane Hill, Washington County, Arkansas. Algie was a farmer and dairyman while Bertha supported all other aspects of the farm including raising the chickens, the garden, and the children.

The A.E. Green farm was a spacious place to grow up for her two brothers, Cyrus and Willard, and her four sisters: Zelma, Mary, Wilma, and Myrtle. Mae, being the youngest, could count on a wardrobe that was handed down year by year. Farming life was hard so everyone had chores. Mae “fondly” remembered feeding the chickens and working in the garden in the hot sun.

High School brought a variety of activities, among which was being Captain of the girls’ basketball team. It was there that she met her future husband, the Captain of the boys’ basketball team, whom she would later call “My Bill.” They were married on July 24, 1953. Shortly thereafter, Bill shipped out to the Philippines from Port Hueneme, California, as a US Navy Seabee during the Korean Conflict. Mae moved to California, setting up housekeeping in their first apartment near the beach. They were to live within 15 minutes driving distance of the beach for their entire residency in California.

1955 saw the birth of her firstborn son, Michael Lee Harrison. In 1958, Mark Alan Harrison was born. Then, in 1963, her daughter Mitzi Elaine Harrison was brought into the world. All three children were born, raised, and continue to reside in California.

When Bill retired from the residential construction industry, he and Mae pulled up stakes and returned to their home state of Arkansas, right back in Washington County where it all began. Mae was able to re-connect with her family much more readily, made new friends in her new neighborhood in Springdale, and continued to serve in a new church, playing the piano and organ, and arranging flowers for all the services and various special occasions.

Mae slowed down during the last few years. A series of medical issues necessitated a move into an assisted-living facility and, eventually, a full-time nursing facility. She was peaceful, content, and loved her magazines and gospel music programs. When she played the piano in the facilities, her #1 requested song to play was “I’ll Fly Away”.

Mae is survived by:
Two sisters: Wilma Myers and Myrtle Ray of Springdale
Three children: Michael (and Donna) Harrison, The Rev. Dr. Mark (and Cheryl) Harrison, and Mitzi Harrison Diaz (and Dave);
Six Grandchildren: Danielle Harrison-Holder (and Bradley), David Michael Harrison (and Risa); Brookes Harrison, Kelly Harrison (and Victoria), Sean Harrison (and Tina), and Blake Diaz
Eleven Great Grandchildren

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Thursday, April 11, at 10:00 AM at Luginbuel Funeral Home, Prairie Grove, Arkansas. She will be interred next to “Her Bill” after a private ceremony at Fayetteville National Cemetery following the memorial service.