Roll Call Tribute

Lucy Elaine Larrison 

January 21, 1951 - February 2, 2024 

Dr. Lucy Elaine Larrison peacefully entered the gates of heaven on February 2, 2024, reuniting with her beloved husband, Bill, and finding eternal peace in the embrace of her Lord and Savior. Her life as a faithful believer in Jesus Christ, loving wife, devoted mother, sister, aunt, friend, and extraordinary educator was a living testament to her love, strength, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Lucy was born on January 21, 1951 in San Antonio, Texas to Bill and Frances Yelland. She was the second born of four children but was always the “boss”!

She learned how to play the piano and the organ at an early age and was the fulltime organist at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church during her high school years in addition to serving as a class officer and captain of the varsity volleyball team. Lucy began her college academics at the University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio, but soon transferred to Sam Houston State University in Huntsville where she earned both undergraduate and master’s degrees. She later earned her doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University- Whoop!

However, education and degrees were not the only things Lucy pursued when she moved to Huntsville. It was while attending Sam Houston State University that she met Bill Larrison, her Prince Charming, the love of her life! They soon married and became a family of five after the birth of Joe Dan, Jace and Jill. Together, Lucy and Bill navigated the challenges of life with an unmatched balance of love, discipline, and dedication. As a result, the children grew up to value the lessons of determination, persistence, and the value of education. And most important, they made certain that their children grew up “in the pews of the church” where they came to know and placed their faith in Jesus Christ.

Lucy's professional journey unfolded against the backdrop of a rich and fulfilling personal life. Her tireless efforts extended beyond the home, where she poured her heart into the public education system.

Lucy’s passion for her career never allowed her to fully retire even after four decades of service in public education. In the early years, she was promoted from science teacher to principal of Mance Park Junior High School in Huntsville, Texas, and later to the Assistant Superintendent for Bryan ISD.

Her influence in academia extended when she became a professor at Texas A&M University, and later became involved with programs at several other universities including Stephen F. Austin and Concordia. She wrote and contributed numerous educational publications and spent several years as an educational consultant.

Beyond the classroom and boardroom, Lucy found solace and joy in the great outdoors while tending to her yard and plants, fishing, sitting in a deer stand, or occasionally harassing garage sale vendors. Her most precious moments were spent cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events from her favorite weathered chair, a testament to her unwavering support and love.

We celebrate Lucy Larrison, a woman who embodied strength, love, and a relentless pursuit of excellence…a beacon of inspiration, a loving mother and grandmother, and a dedicated educator whose impact will resonate for generations to come.

Dr. Lucy Elaine Larrison is survived by her children Joe Dan Larrison (Juli) of Huntsville; Jace Larrison (Vanessa) of Montgomery; Jill Larrison Harsh of Montgomery; brothers Jerry Yelland of San Antonio; Matthew Yelland of Waco; sister Claudia Yelland Walthall (Gary) of Tulsa and eight grandchildren; Reid, Will, Maggie, JoLynn, Cayden, Marti, Kolby and Hayes.

Visitation will be held Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 2PM to 4PM at Heritage Oak Funeral Home with a memorial service beginning at 4PM in which all are invited to attend.