Ireatha Hines Harrison

Ireatha Hines Harrison, age 79, of Hopewell, Virginia, peacefully entered eternal rest on September 2, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 19, 1947, in Petersburg, Virginia, to the late Riddle Hines, Sr. and Mildred H. Hines. Throughout her life, Ireatha was a pillar of love, strength, and devotion to her family.

Ireatha was educated in the Petersburg Public School System and proudly graduated from Peabody High School, Class of 1965. During her high school years, she served as head majorette, a role she remembered fondly throughout her life. Her love for the Peabody High School Class of 1965 never faded. She treasured class reunions and every opportunity to reconnect with lifelong friends, walk down memory lane, and celebrate the history they shared.

Following her education, Ireatha began a long and dedicated career with Honeywell in Chesterfield, Virginia. During her thirty-two years of service, she held several positions, with her final position being that of a laboratory technician. It was also while employed at Honeywell that she met the love of her life, Clarence Harrison, Sr. Their love blossomed into a beautiful marriage that endured for fifty-six wonderful years.

At an early age, Ireatha accepted Christ and joined First Baptist Church in Petersburg, Virginia. She later became a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Hopewell, Virginia, continuing her Christian journey and faith.

Above all else, Ireatha’s greatest joy was caring for her family. She expressed her love not only through words, but through countless acts of kindness and service. Her kitchen was often filled with the comforting aromas of home-cooked meals, a true reflection of her generous and nurturing spirit. Her specialties included macaroni and cheese, collard greens, fried and baked chicken, pork chops, turkey wings, fried smothered spareribs, and sumptuous spaghetti. Her beloved banana pudding was a family favorite.

Even doing laundry was an expression of Ireatha’s love. To her, it was never simply a household chore—it was another way of caring for the people she loved. If there is a washing machine in Heaven, surely Ireatha has already claimed it.

Ireatha was also a self-proclaimed professional shopper. Whether visiting local malls or traveling out of state, she approached every shopping trip as an adventure. She delighted in finding a good bargain and enjoyed the simple thrill of the hunt.

Traveling brought Ireatha tremendous peace and happiness. She and Clarence especially looked forward to their annual summer trips to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Whether traveling near or far, Ireatha enjoyed the journey just as much as the destination.

Among her favorite sports were football and ice skating. She was an enthusiastic fan of the Washington Redskins, now known as the Washington Commanders. One of the highlights of her life was attending Super Bowl XXVI to see her beloved Washington team play. During that memorable trip, she also had the extraordinary opportunity to meet renowned figure skater Dorothy Hamill, who personally gave her skating lessons. The experience became one of the treasured memories of her life.

Ireatha lived a life filled with love, laughter, family, friendship, travel, and cherished memories. Her nurturing spirit and the many ways she cared for others will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Ireatha leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life her loving husband of fifty-six years, Clarence Harrison, Sr.; devoted children, Michael A. Johnson, NaVonne S. Parson (Alphonso), and Clarence Harrison, Jr.; grandchildren, Yasmine R. Johnson, Alonjae D. Parson, and Ashiela T. Parson; great-grandchild, Omari Mason; brothers, Riddle Hines, Jr. (Ruby) of North Chesterfield, Virginia, Edwin B. Hines of Petersburg, Virginia, and Horace B. Hines (Tamika) of North Chesterfield, Virginia; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

She also leaves cherished memories with her special devoted friends, Dorris Anderson, Kim Lee, Toni George, Patricia Washington, and Eldress Joyce Stalling of Faith & Hope Temple COGIC; and other family members, including Arnold Harrison.

The family extends a special expression of gratitude to the compassionate staff of ACG Hospice and the other devoted caregivers who provided Ireatha with loving care and support.

Though her earthly journey has ended, the love Ireatha poured so generously into her family and friends will continue to live through every life she touched. Her beautiful legacy of devotion, laughter, service, and love will remain forever treasured.

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, she is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, September 12, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. William H. Roberts, Jr., eulogist. The interment to follow at the Appomattox Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 P.M. until 6:30 P.M., Friday, September 11, 2026, at the funeral establishment.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6177561?fl=so&fe=fs