Patricia "Pat" Harrison

“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise.” – Proverbs 31:31. On the morning of December 5, 2023, our merciful Lord freed Patricia “Pat” Lisk Harrison (87) from the prison that Parkinson’s disease had made of her physical body and glorious angels guided her to His majestic kingdom where she was reunited for eternity with her beloved husband Levy.

Pat was born on October 13, 1936, in McCall Creek, Mississippi and was raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  She married Levy in 1955 at the young age of 18 and they began building their family shortly thereafter.  Though initially of meager means, through grit, faith, and profuse love, Pat and Levy successfully provided a wonderful life for their family.  They shared 65 beautiful years together in Greenwell Springs (Central), Louisiana where Pat resided for the remainder of her life.

Pat was truly an extraordinary woman; an original masterpiece of God’s finest making. In a word, Pat was fascinating. She epitomized the mantra: “Why blend in when you were born to stand out?” Pat was elegant and immensely beautiful, both inside and out. Her passion and joy for life beamed through her sparkling eyes and radiant smile. She never met a stranger and was remarkably gifted in her ability to make everyone she encountered feel seen, important, and special. She was loyal, gracious, dependable, kindhearted, and affable; a rare, precious gem to those blessed to know her. Pat’s tiny stature was deceptive for she was mighty —­­­­ an astoundingly strong, determined, driven, and free-spirited force of nature. From her demeanor to her personality and eclectic style, she had a certain je ne sais quoi that made her irreplicable and unforgettable.

Pat was always either dressed to the nines or covered in dirt and sweat. She enjoyed being outdoors and was enlivened by splendid landscapes. She was an avid and skilled gardener, but her spectacular gardens weren’t only a collection of plants that looked pretty together, they were the metaphor of her life.  She viewed life as a garden and had a special way with all things that grow.  All the traits that made Pat a skillful gardener also made her the backbone of her family and a masterful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was nurturing, attentive, patient, dedicated, and adaptable.  She was a hard worker who didn’t mind getting her hands dirty, wasn’t deterred by obstacles, and never shied away from a challenge – rain or shine, she always showed up. Pat knew that, just as with beautiful flowers, cultivating a strong family required vision, care, patience, and space to grow; she lived her life providing all wholeheartedly and with abundance. Most significantly, Pat was keenly aware that it’s all about love – the rewards of gardening and living cannot be measured in time, dollars, or possessions – love is the reward. She loved fiercely and unconditionally.  To Pat, we her progeny, the fortunate beneficiaries of the fruits of her love and labor, were her most cherished garden; she delighted in watching us blossom.  Though her time on earth is done, her legacy lives on through the seeds that she sowed.

Pat was a talented seamstress whose other hobbies included restoring old houses and furniture, reading and learning, and shopping. She was a member of Comite Baptist Church, where she worked as a secretary for many years.  She later opened Pat’s Shoes and Things, which she ran until retiring. Pat is survived by her 3 children Randy Harrison (Karen), Jennifer Starns (Russell) and Bret Harrison (Susan), her 6 grandchildren Joshua Starns (Candace), Jessica Debetaz (Brian), Jonathan Starns (Cassie), Kadie Johnson (Steven), Casey Harrison (Ariel) and Heather Harrison, her 7 great grandchildren Cade Starns, Chayse Starns, Kyle Starns, Eli Johnson, Lola Johnson, Levie Johnson and Dax Debetaz, her sister Barbara Montet, brothers Louis “Buddy” Lisk and Mike Cavin (Janice), and sister-in-law Janice Harrison Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews.  Pat is preceded in eternal life by her husband Levy, mother Norvel Cupit Cavin, stepfather Albert Cavin, brother Norman Cavin, and sisters Sandra “Monkey” Guillory, Carolyn Creighton, Faye Franklin and Mary Jo Tussio. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Judy Albarado, CC McCellos, Cheri Strickland, and all others who assisted in caring for Pat during her final years. 

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation at Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home (11817 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA, 70816) on Monday, December 11, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. until Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. with burial immediately following at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.  Pallbearers are Joshua Starns, Jonathan Starns, Casey Harrison, Brian Debetaz, Steven Johnson, and Cade Starns.  Honorary pallbearers are Eli Johnson, Kyle Starns, and Dax Debetaz.