Gerda Albertha Harrison

HER LIFE’S REFLECTIONS 

Mother Gerda Albertha Harrison

A Graceful & Beautiful Life

“I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever”

Sunrise:

Mother Gerda Albertha Harrison, affectionately known as Aunty Pet, was born August 2, 1946, in Westmoreland (Berkshire District), Jamaica, the ninth of ten children to the late Caleb Green and Ida (Pryce) Green. 

Her Life:

Gerda was raised in a devout Christian household, embracing the Lord Jesus as her Savior at an early age and faithfully serving Him until the end. Blessed with a beautiful soprano voice, she and her late husband, Iradee—a talented musician—formed several choirs, traveling to perform at various events and raising funds for families in need.

She completed her education at a technical school in Kingston, where her sharp business acumen flourished. Alongside her husband, she successfully operated a business until his untimely passing. Gerda later dedicated herself to nurturing young lives as a housemother at Stratton Girls Home in Kingston, positively impacting many girls facing challenging circumstances.

In 2000, Gerda emigrated to the United States to join her daughter Colleen, who was then serving on active duty in the U.S. Army, and to receive critical medical care. Though prolonged illness eventually limited her ability to work formally, she remained a cornerstone of strength—helping to raise her grandchildren, providing after-school care, and serving as a trusted confidant and source of inspiration to many, including healthcare workers at the skilled nursing facilities where she spent time.

Her Legacy:

Gerda was a leftie (left-handed), a gifted seamstress, and an expert domino player. She enjoyed challenging herself with crossword and jigsaw puzzles, watching Jeopardy and NBA basketball, and sharing historical books with her granddaughter Courteney. An exceptional cook, she delighted family and friends with her famous potato salad, curried chicken, sweet potato pudding, and Christmas fruit cakes.

Known for her wit, intuition, empathy, and wisdom, Gerda had a unique gift for putting others at ease. She was the embodiment of grace—a virtuous woman, prayer warrior, devoted mother, and grandmother who cherished her family deeply. She loved the Lord with unwavering faith, loved unconditionally, and inspired everyone who knew her. Gerda was lovingly known by many names: Mommy, Grandma, Grammie, Ma Gerda, Ms. G, Aunty Pet, and Mother Harrison.

Sunset:

Having done all to stand, after bravely battling a prolonged respiratory illness, Gerda peacefully departed this earth to the Church Triumphant on October 5, 2025. She now rests among the great cloud of witnesses who went before her.

She leaves to cherish her memory and legacy, two sons, Rohan (Hyattsville, MD) and Marlon (Bowie, MD); two daughters: Dr. Colleen (Cibolo, TX) and Erica (Waldorf, MD); four granddaughters: Eppary, Courteney, Malia and Ava; one brother, Ervin (Orlando, FL); her beloved grand pup Manuel; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and her church family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Caleb and Ida Green; seven brothers: Lenny, Lloyd, Ernal, Isaiah, Vincent, Wesley, Sherlock; one sister, Lucinda; and her beloved husband, Iradee.

Her testimony:

" I want to be remembered as a praying mother of deep faith and strong beliefs in Jesus Christ. I have fought the good fight, I have persevered through Christ, I have the victory."

From the Family: 

We dedicate this tribute to our remarkable mother and grandmother whose love, faith, and resilience touched countless lives. Gerda Albertha Harrison was a beacon of light and hope, a source of unwavering strength and kindness. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her children, family, friends and all that were blessed to know her. May her memory continue to inspire us to live with grace, compassion, and faith. Rest in eternal peace. You will be deeply missed and forever cherished. 

-The Children and Grandchildren

. . . rather to be absent from The Body, and to

be present with The Lord. II Corinthians 5:8