Obituaries
Obituary: Mary Alice Sumrell Teague Harrison, 81, of Hamden
Mary, lovingly known as "Big Momma", was a queen at heart, dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many.
HAMDEN, CT - (From Howard K. Hill Funeral Home) Mary Alice Sumrell Teague Harrison, 81, of Hamden, Connecticut entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. She was born on February 16, 1941 in Greenville, North Carolina to the late Elbert Sumrell and Martha “Janie” Graham.
She was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, constant friend and committed servant of God. Her favorite scripture was Psalms 23 - The Lord is My Shepherd, I Shall Not Want!
In 1955, the family moved to New Haven, Connecticut where she attended and graduated from James Hillhouse High School.
After graduation, she began working for Grace-New Haven Hospital until changing occupations and working at United Technologies Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in North Haven, Connecticut.
She retired from Pratt & Whitney and later took a job with Companions & Homemakers until she “officially” retired.
Mary also referred to as “Alice” or “Ma Harrison” by many friends and family was a true “Big Momma.”
She loved cooking big meals and having large family gatherings at her home with family and friends. She loved talking about her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She would let everyone know how proud she was of her family, even if she was talking to a complete stranger. Mary especially enjoyed making various desserts and was known for her pineapple coconut upside down cake, Jello mold and let’s not forget about her soul food cooking.
She even started an at home business she called “Sweet Creations.” Mary loved going to social gatherings especially gospel events. She would dress up and loved to put on lots of her “Bling.”
She was truly a queen at heart and loved to see people happy.
Mary Harrison was predeceased by her beloved husband, Robert Harrison; daughter, Cynthia Wallace (Coleman); stepfather, John “Doc” Baker; sister, Mamie Short (Earl); and brother, George Smerthee.
To cherish her memory and continue her legacy, she leaves her two sons, Minister Kenneth Teague (Carla), Jr. of Denver, Colorado and Steven Teague, Sr. (Paula) of East Hartford, CT; four sisters, Essie Petaway (William) of Hamden, CT, Michele Slappey (Marvin) of Waterbury, CT, Rev. Carol Lyn Wilkens of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Robin Petaway; brother, Dana Petaway; three stepdaughters, Rena Mack (Edward), Varagene Harrison, and Venovia Chardon; three stepsons, Robert Harrison (Myrna), Jr. of Hamden, CT, Bruce Harrison, and Thadas Mark Harrison of New Haven, CT; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends.
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