Toby (Kunishige) Harrison

Today we celebrate and praise God for this most humble and beautiful of women, Toby (Kunishige) Harrison.

Toby was born in Denver, Colorado on July 24, 1943 to Takeo and Miyoko Kunishige; her parents having been relocated during World War II to the Colorado concentration camp for Japanese/Americans.  She was relocated to her glorious heavenly home by her Lord Jesus, whom she loved on January 4, 2025.

Toby was preceded in death by her parents.  She is survived by her husband Doug; sons, Michael and wife Ruth of Stephenville, TX, Mitchell and wife Nan of Las Vegas; grandsons, Adam, Luke and Jacob; granddaughters, Grace and her husband Eric, Emalie, Abby and her husband Gael, Myah, and Haleigh; and great grandsons, Jacob and Matteo; also by a sister, Pam; cousins, Scott, Elyse, and Julia of Texas; and many more in California.

Toby and Doug graduated from Stephenville High School in 1961, and were married in Stephenville, TX, on October 7, 1962.  Their 62 years of marriage has been a marvelous journey of love, faith, blessings, and miracles; a journey walked with and guided by our Lord and Saviour Jesus.  In the first eight years of marriage, Toby and Doug had two children, relocated to California, completed seven years of college with degrees, and settled into lifelong careers-she in education.

Toby had a remarkable 35 years as an elementary school teacher, many as a Master Teacher (a teacher of teachers).  She is included in the “Who’s Who in Education”, and is celebrated on the “Honor Wall of Teachers” established at California State University-Fresno.

For Toby though, her greatest career honor has been the life success of her students, and the choice by many to become educators.  The qualities that made Toby the top teacher candidate at Tarleton State University in 1966 made her the outstanding classroom teacher that shaped young lives.

Toby became a gifted and sought after sign language interpreter, recognized by the University and utilized by the Billy Graham and Luis Palau Crusades, her church and many organizations.

Her quiet spirit and joyful heart drew people to her, particularly dozens of kids needing a “Mom” and young women needing someone who could hear them. Perhaps her greatest gift has been her ability to be “Mom” to so many.

Her list of loves was long.  She loved her Japanese heritage, cooking, and arts and crafts.  She loved serving people and her church.  She loved music and Israel.  But most of all, she loved her family, and her Lord.

AMEN

Funeral services for Toby will be at 10:00 AM Saturday, January 11th at Cowboy Church of Erath County.  Burial will follow at West End Cemetery in Stephenville.  Visitation with the Harrison family will be Friday, January 10th beginning at 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cowboy Church of Erath County.