Mary Ashford Harrison

Mary (George) Harrison, 94, of Wood Dale, Illinois, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026.

Mary Thelma Ashford was born on December 17, 1931, in Durant, Mississippi, to Rev. Benjamin H. Ashford and Dovie Ashford. She graduated from Tipton Street High School in Kosciusko, Mississippi. After graduation she married Emmit J. George, Sr. In the 50s Mary and Emmit, along with two children, migrated to Chicago; they relocated to Robbins, Illinois in 1962.

Born into a Christian family, Mary maintained her faith throughout her life. Her last church membership was at Saint Paul United Methodist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. She was active in United Methodist Women and a member of the Chancel Choir.

Mary was employed by the United States Postal Service until retirement.

She was known as a wanderer. After leaving Chicago she relocated to Itta Bena, MS, Jacksonville, Florida, Kosciusko, Mississippi, and Birmingham, Alabama, before returning to Chicago.

Mary was widowed at the time of her death. She was preceded in death by her husband Fredrick Harrison, her parents, Rev. and Mrs. Benjamin H. Ashford, Sr; her siblings, Winfred H. Ashford, Ruth Harrington, Dorothy McFarland, and Benjamin H. Ashford, Jr., and her grandson, Couric Green.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory her children, Emmit (Erica) J. George, Jr., Cynthia E. George, and Barren E. (Natalie) George; ten grandchildren: Steven, Deitrick, Courtney, Jade, Lesley, Kristen, Jessica, James, and Jada; sixteen great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A service in memory will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 1500 6th Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203. A Celebration of Life will take place later in Chicago; time to be determined.

Instead of sending flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society by clicking the link below or that you celebrate Mary’s memory by dining with a loved one and expressing how much they mean to you.