Anne Elizabeth Bell Harrison

Obituary For Anne Elizabeth Bell Harrison

Anne Elizabeth Bell Harrison, of Westwood, NJ, died on November 27, 2020 at the age of 92. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Gastonia, North Carolina.

Anne was born in Jamaica, Queens, NY, on December 9, 1927 as Asta Hansen to birth parents, Edna L. Herbert and Halvor Peter Christian Hansen, both from Christiansted, St. Croix. She was adopted as a young child by Jenette and Fletcher Bell who doted on her while raising her in Queens, NY. She was the apple of her father’s eye.

As a teen, she moved to Westwood, NJ with her family. When weekends came around, you could find Anne on the dance floor at Jerry’s House. She loved swing dancing and doing the jitterbug. In fact, she met the love of her life, Pate, during one of these outings. Pate had just returned from serving in the Army during World War II in the previous year. They began their new life together when they married on December 8, 1946.

Her family was her world. She devoted herself to her six children showering them with love, affection, and support. She could be found at every girl scout meeting, athletic event, and school activity, cheering each of them on. Anne was also active in her community. She was a very proud member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Westwood, NJ for over thirty years where she served on the Willing Workers’ committee, Missionary committee, and the Friendship Circle.

She joined the workforce when her children were older, working in the medical field. She retired in 1987 from her position as a medical clerk at Pascack Valley Hospital. A few years later, after the death of Pate, Anne moved to Gastonia, NC to reside with William and Priscilla.

Anne loved candy, especially chocolate and she loved lamb chops. She was quick to laugh at a good joke and had a mischievous sense of humor. If you tripped in front of her, it would surely invoke laughter. She loved Lifetime movies and if you called her during The Young and the Restless, she would answer just to let you know that she would call you back after her “story.” She was kind and warm; She was a loving wife and doting mother.

She was preceded in death by her older brother Owen Hansen, her beloved husband Pate Harrison, and two of their children: Robert Harrison and David Harrison. She is survived by her brother, Halva Hansen along with 4 of her children Christine Ravenel, Priscilla Graham, Loretta McFarland, and Clifford Harrison. Anne also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 1 great- great grandchild.

Multiple sclerosis was a challenge for our Annie, but we are certain she is now back to dancing the night away with her best guy.

Arrangements Are As Follow:

Private Zoom Memorial Service: Saturday, December 12, 2020

Download funeral program