Jacquelyn Hatcher Harrison

Jacquelyn Hatcher Harrison, 82, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2015 after a long illness. She spent her final days with three generations of loving family and long-time friend, Dr. Remy Lacsamana. “Jackie” as she was best known by friends and family, resided in the Daytona Beach area for over 56 years and was a well-known community leader. Originally from Dublin, GA, she was the youngest of three daughters born to Edgar L. and Mary Louise Hatcher. She and Gwendolyn, her fraternal twin, claimed special insights in each other’s lives, often sensing how the other was doing even over hundreds of miles. Raised in a Christian home, Jackie learned at a young age to rely on the Lord for direction and comfort. She and her sister frequently sang at their church and were well known in Dublin for their radio performances. Jackie also loved to write and would escape to the attic for solitude. Jackie’s writing took many forms, most recently as “letters to the editor” about political and cultural issues. Jackie received great responses from her work and it is clear that she was an effective voice for many. Jackie and her twin, “Gwen”, received their nursing degrees from Georgia Baptist Hospital in Atlanta and Jackie later went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Health Education from what it now the University of Central Florida. Education was greatly valued by Jackie as well as her late husband, William Henry Harrison, Jr., Daytona’s first cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon. This love of learning was passed on to the children, grandchildren, and now great grandchildren. Jackie contributed greatly to the Daytona’s history. She was the first president of the Museum of Arts and Sciences Guild and one of the originators of the current museum and Sidewalk Art Show. She was President of the Palmetto Club, CEO of the Mental Health Association, a governor appointed Patient Representative at District Baker Act hearings, nationally certified parliamentarian for numerous service organizations, Chairman of Scientific and Health Careers, American Heart Association, District Program Chair for Health Career Clubs in FL, President of the Volusia County Medical Auxiliary, and named a Volusia County “Woman of the Year”. Her many accomplishments were recognized at the national level in 1978 where she was selected by Eckerd’s as one of 100 women leaders in the U.S. Jackie understood the value of balancing work with family time and hobbies such as golfing at Oceanside Country Club, singing at church and other venues, fashion modeling, leading Scouts, and painting. She especially enjoyed antique shopping. Thus, it was quite fitting that she spent her final months with her daughter and son-in-law in their 1870’s home located in historic Micanopy, FL. Jackie was mother of the late Thomas Harrison and is survived by her sister, Gwen Herring and her family, Augusta GA, sister-in-law, Barbara Anklam of Orlando, daughter and son-in-law Jennifer “Jenny” and Steve Elder, five grandchildren with spouses: Joshua Elder, Timothy and Sarah Elder, Barbara and Joshua Finch, Jacob Harrison, and Grace Harrison. Her eight great grandchildren all live in the Gainesville area: William Elder (7), Dylan Elder (5), Katelyn Elder (5), Emma Elder (3), Luke Elder (2), Mark Elder (2 months), Savannah Finch (5), and Josiah Finch (17 months). Jacquelyn was laid to rest with William H. and Thomas E. Harrison in a family graveside service at the Historic Micanopy Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at her church home, the Drive-In Christian Church at 3140 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Shores 32118. Memorial donations can be made to her church (listed above), The Museum of Arts and Sciences, 352 South Nova Road, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, or Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606-3809. Notes to the family can be sent c/o Steve and Jenny Elder 116 Hunter Ave. Micanopy, FL 32667.

Jacquelyn Hatcher Harrison

April 4, 1933 - September 6, 2015