Jeannette Elizabeth Harrison was born in Washington, DC, on March 24, 1946, to John (Maurice) and Claudia Harrison.

Jeannette and her family relocated to NYC at the age of 12, where she attended P.S. 24, Cooper Junior High School, and Brandeis High School. Jeannette was known as a woman who "said what she meant and meant what she said," just like her momma. For those who did not know, Jeannette was quite the dancer. She and her sister Barbara Jean would sneak out while their momma was not home and frequent different Dance Halls, like the Crystal, Connies, and Central Ballroom. Jeannette was one of the best dancers, and once she got on the floor, everyone would stop so they could watch her.

Jeannette worked in a number of establishments before landing a career with The New York College of Podiatric Medicine, where she became a Librarian Assistant. After serving 27 years, Jeannette and her dear friend and coworker Etherlene agreed to retire simultaneously. Neither of the two wanted to stay once the other was gone. So Jeannette retired in January 2010.

She moved on to glory on September 26, 2022, with loved ones by her side. Jeannette was preceded in death by her two sisters, Yvonne Harrison and Louise Stevens, and longtime partner, William (Baldy) Johnson.

Jeannette leaves to cherish with fond memories her two daughters, Deirdre Harrison and Joyce Harrison; three grandchildren, Brian Barksdale, Gertesha Alford Harris, and Diamond Gamble; three great-grandchildren, Khloe Younger, Alicia Barksdale, and Solè Turner; two loving sisters, Barbara Jean McCloud and Shirley Bowe (Shirley and Jeannette have been best friends for 57 years, where friendship grew into a sisterhood); one brother, William (Tootie) Harrison; her lovely cousin, Margaret Frye Taylor; brother-in-law, William Bowe; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, and friends who will miss her.