Emma Dean Harrison

Emma Dean Harrison, a beloved member of our community, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025, in Pope, Mississippi, surrounded by the love and warmth she so generously shared throughout her life. Born on May 22, 1932, in Panola County, Mississippi, Dean was a vibrant and caring soul whose influence radiated far beyond her years.

Her memory will be honored with a visitation on Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wells Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service on Friday, February 14, 2025, in the Martin Willingham Memorial Chapel of Wells Funeral Home at 2:00 PM. She will be interred at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Pope following the service.

A proud graduate of Pope High School, Dean devoted her early years to nurturing those in need. Her compassionate spirit was evident as she took it upon herself to care for needy children, ensuring they received necessary treatments at local children’s hospitals. She also offered her kindness to the elderly, preparing and delivering meals to brighten their days.

Dean's culinary passion led her to Batesville, where she began providing meals for factory workers. A job that only deepened her love for bringing people together over food which inspired her to open the Kountry Kitchen at the I55 Pope Exit. Alongside her late husband, Amos E. Harrison, she ventured into entrepreneurship by owning the Amaco Gas Station (Tour Chef) in Pope. Their journey in the restaurant business continued with the establishment of The Back Porch, where families and friends gathered for countless memorable meals. Sadly, after a fire engulfed the restaurant in 2019, Dean retired at the remarkable age of 85.

Throughout her life, Dean epitomized joy, energy, and kindness. Those fortunate enough to know her experienced the warmth of her spirit. Her laughter was infectious, and her passion for cooking brought people together, nurturing not only their bodies but also their souls. She was known for her love of travel, seizing every opportunity to explore new horizons after her retirement, creating cherished memories along the way.

Dean cherished her family dearly, a sentiment reflected in the relationships she nurtured with each of them. She is survived by her three sons, Michael Hardy of Fort Payne, Alabama, Reginald O'Conner of Pope, Mississippi, and Dwayne Harrison of Memphis, Tennessee; her sister, Nina Hendrix of Severn, Maryland; seven grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry her legacy of love and compassion forward.

Preceding her in death were her beloved parents, Dewey Noel and Margaret Johnson Smith; her husband, Amos E. Harrison; her son, Tommy Harrison; her daughter, Sandy Copous; and her siblings, Patricia Powell, Sonny Smith, and J.C. Burns.

Dean Harrison's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of love, laughter, and unwavering kindness. As a proud member of the Daughter's of the Nile, she exemplified the values of service and community, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Though Dean may no longer walk among us, her spirit will remain alive in the hearts of those she touched, reminding us to care for one another as she did so effortlessly.