Marvin Merl Harrison, Sr

On December 15, 2022 at 11:11AM, Marvin M. Harrison, Sr., affectionately named Pop by his grandchildren, passed away in Lexington Park, MD at the age of 85.
Marvin M. Harrison, Sr. was born in Leland, NC on July 21, 1937 to Joseph and Dornell Harrison. Sadly, she passed shortly after  childbirth. His father later married Ethel Brown, and she became the only mother he knew.
 
While he was a young child, the Harrison family relocated to Newark, NJ. And at the age of 18, Marvin enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged at the end of his 4-year term.
 
He later met the woman who would become his wife of over 60 years, Ella Dotson.  Together, they nurtured nine children.
 
Marvin enrolled at Essex County College where he became fluent in Spanish, and obtained an Associates Degree in Art. Soon after, he began his professional career with 3M Company as a Chemical Operator. It was there that he met many people from all nationalities and was instrumental in organizing and participating in marches in Washington to promote the fair treatment and wages of its employees, with his family in tow.
 
After several years at 3M, Marvin moved on to the United States Postal Service where he distributed mail in the city of Hillside. Because of a back injury requiring surgery, he needed to make a career change. Marvin landed a fulfilling role as a Corrections Officer with the NJ Department of Corrections. Although it pained him to see young Black men incarcerated at Northern State Prison, he believed the best way to perform his duties was by treating them with dignity and respect. Because of this tremendous quality and the wisdom he acquired over the years, fellow officers and inmates revered him as a mentor and role model.
 
Upon retirement, he and his wife, Ella moved to St. Mary's County in Maryland. Being an avid outdoorsman, he relished sitting on the dock of the Chesapeake River listening to music while fishing and crabbing. He enjoyed sitting in the garage enjoying the weather and having chats with his neighbors, spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and making new friends along the way.
 
Marvin is predeceased by his son, Charles Dortson. He is survived by his wife, Ella R. Harrison and his children Theresa Edwards, Inez Harrison, Loraine Harrison, Renee Harrison, Marvin Harrison, Melvin Harrison, Michael Harrison, and Kareemah Abdullah, 24 Grandchildren and 16 Great Grandchildren.