Evelyn Ruth Estes Harrison, 91, formerly of Riner, passed away at the home of her daughter and caregiver, Tammy, in Christiansburg, where she has lived for several years due to a decline in her health.
She was born April 10, 1934, in Radford, the only daughter of James Butler Estes and Gustava Mariam Hoover Estes. She was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband of 50 years, Darrell William Harrison; special grandson, Dakotah Chase Booth; great-grandson, Jayce Ryan Aronson; brothers, Brinkley J Estes, James Butler Estes, Jr., Phillip L. Estes, Jerry “Don” Estes, Frederick Estes, and William “Rod” Estes
Leaving to cherish her sweet memory are her children, Debora Bishop (Benjy), Bryan Harrison (Brenda), and Tammy Booth (David); special grandchildren, Desirae Booth (Hunter Phlegar), Talon Booth (Rebecca Desipio), Caiden Booth, Jamie Jamison (Spencer), Logan Bishop (Scarlett Turman), Kayli Harrison and Krystin Aronson (Ethan); great-granddaughters, Tinsley and Amree Jamison and Lyla Aronson; brother-in-law, Joseph Harrison (Norma Cole) sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Estes, Sadie Estes, and Ruby Buckner, along with many nieces and nephews; special friends, Gabriel, Frankie, and Carolyn Graham, Erma Young, Mary Booth, Dorothy Stewart, and Garland and Lynn Likens.
When Evelyn was born, she weighed three pounds and was so tiny that she had to sleep in a shoebox. As she got older, she was always known as little sweet Evelyn at 4’9” tall. Evelyn grew up in Riner, attending Auburn High School, Class of 1952. She was always a dedicated and hard worker from a young age. She worked at the overall factory, Hines Electric, and then found her forever career in 1956 at Northside Flower Shop in Radford, where she worked six days a week for 66 years until the age of 88, when health issues prevented her from continuing to work. She was the voice everyone knew, answering the phone there.
Evelyn loved her flower gardens, associating and talking with everyone. Once you met her, you were a friend for life.
But most importantly, she loved her family, especially her grandchildren. They were the apple of her eye, and she cherished all the wonderful times she spoiled them. She was a wonderful and special Nana to them. She and Darrell loved bluegrass music and attending festivals all over the states
The family would like to thank Rachell Huff for her dedicated care and friendship to Evelyn for several months, and the Hospice team at Carilion New River Valley.
Visitation was held Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, with the funeral service immediately following in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Frankie Graham and Rev. Warren Booth officiating. Interment followed in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.
