Obituary of Dorothy Marie Harrison

Dorothy Marie Harrison (Bartholomew), wife of the late William “Bill” Harrison went to be with her Lord on January 11,2023 - just weeks before her 98th birthday.  She and Bill were married for 70 years and raised their family in Zion, IL.  In fact, Dorothy lived her entire life in Zion.

Dorothy commuted to and graduated from Northwestern University with a bachelor’s degree in Music Performance, specializing in Marimba and Piano. She gave marimba and piano concerts at numerous Lake County venues, including Churches and Concert Halls. Dorothy taught piano lessons for many years at the Zion College Building, as well as the Zion Conservatory of Music.  She also taught music classes in the Zion School system, accompanied Zion youth soloists for musical performances, and directed the CCC Youth Choir.

Dorothy volunteered at Great Lakes Naval Training Center (where she met her husband-to-be), as well as Downey Veterans Hospital-Great Lakes, was a staff writer and copy editor for the Zion Benton News, and wrote articles for the Leaves of Healing publication.

She and Bill were life-long members of Christ Community Church in Zion and were deeply involved in the church on the diaconate team, with Camp Zion, with Mother and Daughter Banquets, and served as president of the local chapter of Christian Women’s Club for many years.

Dorothy has been a model of love and joy for her family. Cherishing her memory are her 3 children, Lane (Sheryl- deceased), Lisa, and Leigh (Robin) Harrison; 7 grandchildren, David (Judy), Christopher, Jennifer, Melissa (Michael Bubb), Garrett, John (Lynnea) and Trenton Harrison; 8 great-grandchildren, James and John Sorti, Jacqueline Armstrong, and Julia Bergthold, Hannah, Madison, Payton, and Liam Harrison; 6 great-great grandchildren, Lexi, Clayton, and Noah Armstrong; Maggie, Leo, and Iris Bergthold, and 2 nieces, Cheryl Little and Stacey Faison.

We will profoundly miss our cherished Dorothy. She leaves a priceless legacy of deep and abiding faith in a loving God, spending much time in the Word as evidenced by the tattered and worn Bible always next to her bed, and was a dedicated Prayer Warrior who diligently prayed for her family every day.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Zion Conservatory of Music, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion, IL 60099.  A Memorial Service will be held at a later time, to be determined.