Gale D. Harrison

Harrison ~ Gale Delores Harrison-Carey, born July 19, 1958, to the late David Ray Carey and Eliza Carey in Jacksonville Florida. Gale passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Irene Arlene Harrison; mother, Eliza Carey; father, David Ray Carey; and brother, Mark Williams.

As a ‘Woman of God’, Gale often said she asked God for three things in life: to be married, to have a big family, and to become a nurse. Gale spent a brief period of her childhood in Concord, North Carolina returning to Jacksonville Florida in 1971, where she met Leroy Harrison Jr. at the age of thirteen and welcomed her first child in 1974, at the age of sixteen. With resilience and determination, she began her journey in healthcare as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and later returned to school to earn her associate’s degree in nursing at Florida State College at Jacksonville. Gale retired from UF Health Jacksonville where she served diligently for over thirty-five years as a Registered Nurse. Throughout her long and impactful career, Gale served with compassion, dedication, and a heart rooted in service. Her care extended far beyond hospital walls, touching lives wherever she went.

Guided by the wisdom of her mother—who taught her, “If someone is hungry, you feed them” - and her deep faith in God, Gale became a fierce advocate for others. She was a founder of *Heavenly Acts of Service* and *Eliza’s Love*, nonprofit organizations committed to feeding the homeless and uplifting underserved communities. She also volunteered faithfully with Bethel Baptist Church’s Kingdom Care Ministry, continuing her life’s mission as a true servant of God.

Gale is survived by her loving children, Karen Deshare Decosta (Derrick), Leroy Harrison III, Lorraine Harrison-Jenkins (Larry), Latoya Barrett; brother, Mose Harris; sisters, Brenda Harris, Beverly Harris, Marilyn Evans, Karen Coney; best friends, Sylvia Johnson, Rachel McGriff. Gale was a beloved grandmother to sixteen grandchildren and a cherished great-grandmother to two great-grandchildren, each one a source of deep joy and pride.

Those who knew Gale will remember her for her unwavering kindness, her calming presence, and her servant’s heart. Whether caring for patients, feeding neighbors, or nurturing her family, Gale lived a life of purpose, generosity, and unwavering love. Her spirit will continue to shine in the lives she touched.

A celebration of Gale’s life will be held according to her wishes, surrounded by those she loved most. Her legacy of service, strength, and compassion will live on forever. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Ma, Thank you for being there often times when no one else would. Love you!

Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Gale Delores Harrison-Carey, 11 AM Saturday, May 24, 2024, at The Bethel Church, 215 Bethel Baptist Street.   Visitation Friday from 5 – 7 PM at The Soutel Chapel.  Interment in Evergreen Cemetery.  Because of the love of her family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Dr, 904.924.9400. 

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