Geneva Williams Harrison

Geneva Williams Harrison, age 84, was born in Alcoa, Tennessee on June 9, 1941, and went to be with the Lord on July 12, 2025. She was a proud 1959 graduate of Charles M. Hall High School. Geneva retired from the City of Maryville Fire Department in 2006, after twenty-one years, and committed her life to public service. She was the first African American female to serve as a Blount County Commissioner, was a member of the Blount County Planning Commission, and was an impactful voice on several boards and committees in Blount County.

One of Geneva’s passions was working with children, and she devoted much of her time, after retirement, to substitute teaching in the Blount County Schools system. She was a faithful member of New Vision Ministries Church of God in Christ, and she took great joy in traveling to the Church’s conferences. Geneva was a charter member of the Charles M. Hall Alumi Association and was President of the organization for many years.

Geneva is preceded in death by father, Richard Williams, Sr.; mother, Gertrude Williams; brother, Richard “Ree” (Barbara) Williams, brother, Richard (Evelyn) Williams, Jr.; sister Henrietta Williams; brother, Dr. Mike Williams; sister, Jeanette Williams (Julius) Roper; brother, George Williams. She is survived by brothers, Clarence (Sharon) Williams and Reverend James (Anita) Williams; devoted nieces Trudy Roper and Dr. Julia (Joel) Roper-Walker; devoted nephew Guy Michael (Karen) Martin and a host of other loving nieces and nephews. She also leaves to mourn her passing loyal friends, Ms. Ernestine “Rita” Walker, Ms. Kathleen Tate, Ms. Patricia Dean, Ms. Rosa Tellis, Ms. Donna Fuller, Mayor Ed. Mitchell and Family, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wright, Mr. Charles “Buddy” Kershaw, and the Kramer Family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Charles M. Hall Alumni Association, in behalf of the Geneva Williams Harrison Scholarship. The mailing address is P.O. Box 102, Alcoa, Tennessee. 37701

The family will receive friends at Foothills Funeral Home on Saturday July 19, 2025, from 12 – 1 PM, with a memorial gathering immediately following. For additional details and to share your memories, please visit https://www.foothillsfh.com