Myrtle "Mert" Harrison

Myrtle "Mert" A. Harrison, 82, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma passed away Feb. 26th 2017 She was born December 19, 1934 to Chester and Gertrude Locke. She grew up in Panama, Okla and married her high school sweetheart, James Harrison. They married and moved to Tulsa in 1951 and began their journey together. She received her cosmetology license and soon opened a hair salon; "Smart Stop Beauty Shoppe" after many years styling hair, she needed a change and worked for various Tulsa businesses. 1983 Mert and James opened Pretty Punch; an arts and craft store, selling and teaching the needle craft known as Russian punch embroidery. She won many awards locally and nationally. In 1985 she expanded her knowledge to include Bunka, a Japanese form of stitchery creating beautiful pictures with silk thread by which she won a trip to Japan. She wanted to leave as many of the pictures as possible for her children and grandchildren. Mert was extremely creative and would crochet baby blankets and caps for newborn babies to donate to local hospitals, she made quilts for possibly every member of her family, as well as scarves, jewelry, barefoot sandals, burp towels, Angel Bible markers. She loved to sew and would sit up all night making Barbie clothes for her girls. She was athletic in her early years, she played in Tulsa Womens softball leagues. Mert had an unwavering love for Christ and her family; She was fervent in her faith and never hesitated to share Gods love, his power and presence at every opportunity. Mert was active in teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, playing piano and later with failing health used her computer to share Gods love and counsel people. She was the happiest with her family and friends sitting at the kitchen table and never wanted them to leave. She received many awards and honors during her life but nothing compares to the crown that she received in Heaven. She fought a good fight and finished her course when Jesus said "Come on home." She went to Heaven to be with her daughter, Deborah, grandson, Gary, and her mom and dad and many others. She was always a giver and even in her passing, she donated her body to OSU medical in hopes to find a cure for congestive heart failure. She is survived by James and their 3 children, Rebekah, James Jr, and Theresa and their spouses and families. Her descendants include 7 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandson. She was also survived by her sister Mary, many nieces, nephews and extended family members. All of us will miss her boldness, smile and laughter. Memorial service will be 2:00 P.M., Saturday, April 8, 2017 at Moore's Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233

Myrtle "Mert" Harrison

December 19, 1934 - February 26, 2017