Vinita Nadine Gilbert Harrison, age 98, of Russellville, died Sunday, January 14, 2024, at Brookdale Senior Living in Russellville, while surrounded by family.

She was born June 5, 1925, in Kansas City, Missouri to William and Olive Gilbert.

Vinita was a longtime member of First Christian Church in Russellville. She taught Sunday School for many years to several generations of the congregation. Along with her faith, Vinita also always had a special relationship with art. She saw beauty in everything and everyone. Even as a young girl growing up in Kansas City, she dreamed of being a porcelain artist.  That dream came to fruition in the early 70s when she began teaching china painting to many women of all ages. Throughout her life, her students always became the dearest of friends. In 2014, Vinita was nominated for the Arkansas Arts Council's Living Treasure Award. And in 2017, she was awarded the River Valley Arts Center Beaux Arts Lifetime Achievement Award. Even when she could no longer hold a steady brush, her painters would gather at Brookdale where they continued to paint just to be in her company.

Along with her loving nature, Vinita's laugh was warm and contagious. When you heard her laugh, it was an open invitation to join in. At the very least, Vinita's laugh would make you break into a toothy grin, a broad smile, or a hearty chuckle. She opened her home to hundreds of people throughout her life, baked thousands of her famous chocolate pies for them, and was known affectionately as "Granny" by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, John G. Harrison, Jr.; brother, William Gilbert, Jr.; son-in-law, Joseph G. Wichmann; and great-granddaughter, Ava Jane Harrison Hardin.

Survivors include four children and their spouses, John G. Harrison III (Susie) of Wichita, Kansas, Jeannie Wichmann of Russellville, Jan Michael Harrison Sr. (Brenda) of Russellville and Jeffrey Lynn Harrison of Clarksville; eleven grandchildren and their spouses,  Whitney Shively (Jason), Ashley Kelley (Jason), John Harrison IV (Lisa), all of Wichita, Kansas, Zach Wichmann (Suzie) of Rochester, Illinois, Amanda Cali (Robert) of Sparks, Nevada; Rebecca Worley of Russellville, Avonlea Hardin (Scott) of Little Rock, Jan Michael Harrison Jr., of Russellville, Bryce Harrison (Jordan) of Fayetteville, Clay Harrison of Bentonville and Brady Barber (Ben) of Jenks, Oklahoma. She is also survived by 22 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and three loving nephews, Trey Gilbert (Sabrina) of Brazoria, Texas, Scott Gilbert of Comfort, Texas and Greg Gilbert (Diana) of Edmond, Oklahoma.

Vinita's family is forever grateful to her long-term caregiver, Rachel Brixey, whom she loved as her own.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024, at the Shinn Chapel with the Rev. Lauren DeLano of First United Methodist Church officiating. A private burial will be held at Ball Hill Cemetery in Russellville.

Visitation will follow the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 3801 W. Main Street, Suite A, Russellville, Arkansas 72801.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.