Phyllis Colleen Brewer Harrison

Phyllis Colleen Brewer Harrison passed peacefully on December 23 with her son, David and Daughter-in-law Tracy by her side. She fought a long and courageous fight with Alzheimer’s disease.

Phyllis was born on October 31, 1939. She was raised on a farm in Tollesboro, Kentucky and graduated from Lewis County High School in 1957 where she was Salutatorian. She married Douglas Harrison of Vanceburg in 1960 and had one son, David. She is survived by David and Tracy; her grandchildren Julie, Mark, and Sam; her brother Larry Brewer and his wife Ruth; sisters-in-law (who were more like sisters) Helen Brewer, Rosetta Brewer, Judy Harrison, and Rita Harrison; brother-in-law Darrell Harrison; and nieces and nephews that she loved so much. She was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas; her beloved nephews Troy and Trevor Brewer, and Danny Wayne Harrison; brothers Ken and Wayne; sister-in-law Toby; brothers-in-law Charley and Danny; and her parents Flora and Willard.

Phyllis was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a relentless supporter and defender of those she loved. She had one son, but many looked to her as a mother, confidante, and role model. She rarely missed a game or music performance her grandchildren were in, and instinctively knew when she was needed by family and friends.

She brought people together. Her home was always open to all, and she loved being with family and friends. Her New Year’s Eve parties and birthday parties were legendary. Her garage and her “beer tree” were safe places for friends and family to gather, enjoy each other’s company, and solve the world’s problems.

She was also a very accomplished professional. She spent most of her career in the food service and entertainment business. She worked her way up from administrative assistant to District Manager for a national firm, leading the business in 8 states. She led events at the Cincinnati Convention Center and closed her career running operations for the University of Cincinnati athletics events. She was asked to lead the most high profile events the company managed, including national conventions and Super Bowls. She routinely went to New York for meetings at corporate headquarters, and took her friends with her. When she retired, she was the highest ranking woman in the company. She was a tireless worker and a great leader. Those close to her described her as “ahead of her time.” She was proud of what she accomplished and where she came from. She liked to describe her career as “not bad for a hillbilly from Lewis County.”

Family will receive friends at the Milford Christian Church, 844 State Route 131, Milford, Ohio 45150, on Thursday, December 29th from 11 AM until a Celebration of Life Service begins at 12 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Milford Christian Church.