L.J. Harrison lived a life that quietly yet powerfully reshaped the communities he touched. Born on December 10, 1937, in Oconee County, South Carolina, to the late Mary Poole Harrison Haymond and S.J. Harrison, he entered a world defined by hardship—but also by resilience.

In 1940, at just four years old, he moved with his family to Stephens County, Georgia, when the devastation of the boll weevil forced countless sharecropping families to seek new beginnings. L.J. was one of six Harrison children. His father passed away when he was only seven years old, leaving his family to press forward through faith, farming, and sheer determination. They grew what they needed to survive, and from that soil, strength and character were cultivated in young L.J.

A Determined Scholar and Freedom Seeker

L.J.’s education began in Stephens County Public Schools at Deer Court School. Even as a child, he possessed a fierce determination that refused to bow to circumstance. During segregation, there was no accessible high school near his rural home, and the Black high school in town offered no transportation. At just fourteen years old, L.J. made the courageous decision to leave his parents and rent rooms in town so he could attend Whitman High School.

He worked tirelessly to support himself and keep his dream alive by taking jobs at the Ritz Theater, the local grocery store, a tire and recapping company, and grass cutting. His sacrifice bore fruit when he graduated as Valedictorian of the Whitman High School Class of 1958.

He continued his academic journey at Morehouse College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History and Education in 1962. While there, he joined the Civil Rights Movement. He was arrested for sitting at a segregated lunch counter and spent days in jail. He marched for freedom. He stood for dignity. He believed that justice required participation.

In 1974, he earned his Master’s Degree in Social Science Education from the University of Georgia. He furthered his studies at Fort Valley State College and Florida State University. A lifelong learner and devoted reader, education was not merely his profession, it was his calling.

Devoted Husband and Father

In 1961, L.J. married his high school sweetheart, Mable Jarrett. Their union was one of love, partnership, and shared purpose. Together they welcomed three children: Leslie Areatha, Lyman Jarrett, and Lorrie Michelle. His family was his pride, his grounding force, and his greatest joy.

Educator, Leader, and Trailblazer

Fresh from Morehouse and filled with vision, L.J. began teaching in 1962 at a segregated high school and continued through integration. He served Franklin County for more than fifteen years, teaching, coaching football and basketball, advising Y Clubs, and even driving a school bus. His basketball team advanced to the State Championship—a testament to both his leadership and belief in excellence.

In the mid-1970s, he turned his attention toward civic leadership. He helped rewrite the Toccoa City Charter, expanding its commission from three members to five. In 1976, he made history as the first Black man elected to the Toccoa City Commission. In 1979, he became Toccoa’s first Black mayor.

He later taught at Stephens County High School, instructing students in Government, Economics, Geography, History, and Social Studies. He required them to track the stock market and maintain Current Event notebooks because he believed informed citizens strengthened democracy. He founded the Black History and Outreach Clubs, which later merged into the Unity Club—created to improve race relations and foster understanding.

For more than 24 years, he also served as a professor at Truett-McConnell College. His influence extended statewide, serving under Governors George Busbee, Joe Frank Harris, and Zell Miller on numerous boards, including the Georgia Board of Human Resources and Leadership Georgia. He faithfully served as Chaplain for the Georgia Mountain Regional Development Commission.

He did not simply occupy seats at tables—he opened doors so others could sit there too.

A Man of Many Gifts

L.J. lived fully and creatively. He built his own home with his hands. He was a photographer, painter, writer, sculptor, and cabinet maker. He farmed the land, tended gardens, fished quiet waters, and kept bees. He traveled the world with curiosity and wonder.

Yet among all his talents, his greatest gift was this: he was a bridge-builder and a peacemaker.

A Faith That Guided Him

L.J. was a Christian in the truest sense of the word. He led by example, modeling humility, service, and kindness. At St. Mark Baptist Church, he served on the Deacon Board and Finance Committee. Later, at Friendship Baptist Church, he again served faithfully as a Deacon and sang in the Adult Choir.

His favorite Scripture was the 23rd Psalm.His guiding motto was simple and powerful:“You be kind.”

Honors and Service

L.J.’s life of service was widely recognized. The following honors represent only a portion of the many recognitions he received:

• Outstanding Secondary Educator
• Teacher – Governor’s Honors Program
• Teacher of the Year – Franklin County
• Stephens County High School Hall of Fame
• YMCA Basketball Coach of the Year
• Past President – Georgia Association of Educators
• Past President – Franklin County Teachers Association
• Past President – Habitat for Humanity
• Past President – Black Christian Men’s Association
• Appointed to the Georgia Council of Social Science
• Served on the State of Georgia Professional Practice Board
• Served on the Toccoa Planning & Zoning Board
• Member of the Lions Club
• Volunteer – Boys & Girls Club
• Member – Ninth District Mental Health Association
• Named to the Toccoa Stephens Airport Authority
• Named to the Toccoa Stephens Industrial Development Board
• Most Consistent Donor – Morehouse College Class of 1962

While these titles speak to his achievement, those who knew him know his true legacy was character.

L.J. Harrison’s life was a testament to perseverance, education, faith, service, and love. From the cotton fields of his childhood to the mayor’s office, from the classroom to the pulpit, from protest lines to policy boards—he carried himself with dignity and purpose.

He leaves behind a legacy not merely of accomplishments, but of kindness, courage, and unwavering integrity.

L.J. was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Poole Harrison-Haymond and S.J. Harrison; and his siblings, Milton, James, Ethel, George, Roscoe, and Mae Sam.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 64 years, Mable Jarrett; three children, Leslie Areatha (Jeff), Lyman Harrison, and Lorrie Michelle (Louis); grandchildren, Janai, Lanai, and Harrison; one great-grandchild, Aiden; and a host of beautiful and loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

The Shepherd has led him home.