Thelma Fay “Sissy” Harrison Echlin, 86, of Star City, passed away Saturday, December 30, 2023 at Gardner Nursing Center in Star City. She was born May 25, 1937 in Parkdale to the late Whitfield and Thelma Ruth Meyers Harrison. Thelma was of the Baptist faith. She and her husband, Larry, spent years living and traveling in the United States and abroad during his career in the United States Air Force. They owned and operated Echlin’s Childcare Center in Star City for many years, where “Mrs. Fay” touched the lives of many children. Fay and Larry were also regular square dancers for over 40 years, and served their local and state chapters as Presidents.
Preceding her in death were her husband of 67 years, Larry Curtiss Echlin; three brothers, twin, Delbert “Bo” Harrison, JL Harrison and Billy Harrison; and four sisters, Margaret Hensley, Edith Gay, Frances Barnes, and Shirley Makovec.
Survivors include a son, Tony (Lori) Echlin; daughter, Kimberly Fay Echlin; sister, Sue Barnes; five grandchildren, Sara Echlin, Andy (Sarah Lynn) Echlin, Sam (Audrey) Echlin, Kari Zendejas (fiancé Matt Purvis), and Kelby Zendejas; 10 great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Gwen Harrison, Nancy Harrison, and Dee Harrison; and sister-in-law, Jannette Echlin.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 12, 2024, at Griffin Funeral Chapel with Bro. Alexander Brown officiating. Visitation is 1-2 p.m. Friday, January 12, 2024, at the funeral home.
Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City
