Gail K. Swain-Harrison

Gail Karen Swain-Harrison “Ting” born on August 8th 1958 in Philadelphia PA, daughter of the late William Arch Swain Sr. and Ena Victoria Lindner-Swain. Gail met Don on February 3, 1978, and it was love at first sight, they married in the presence of God on October 3, 1981, years after accepting the Lord Jesus Christ through baptism in the Episcopal Church, Christ Church Saint Michaels Episcopal Church.

Throughout her childhood Gail was the light that shined through darkness, leaving footprints for others to follow. Gail was actively involved as a Philadelphia Girls Friendly, at Christ Church and Saint Michaels Episcopal Church along with the Philadelphia Girl Scouts both through Mallory Youth Action Movement and participated in the Drill Team at Mallery Recreational Center. At a tender age, Gail would work hard developing leadership skills that later assisted her two younger brothers Billy and Brian, as they both learned how to make a profit. Gail would spend her summers down Wildwood NJ, working hard continuing her family legacy as an Entrepreneur, becoming a waitress at the Red Oak Diner Wildwood NJ, and selling seashells she found at the beach, all while spending her weekends with her family sunbathing and doing hand stands in the water. Gail also followed in her sisters Valarie footsteps as she was crowded Ms. Holiday House and received a parade in her honor in Cape May, NJ.

Gail excelled within her education as she began to develop and expand her knowledge at Emlen Elementary School 1st-4th grade, later moving through to Julia R. Masterman Middle School from 5th-8th grade and attending The Philadelphia High School for Girls in the 220th graduating Class of 1976. Gail obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree, in Criminal Law and Justice at the Pennsylvania State University in the graduating Class of 1980. While attending Penn State she was involved in social activities including the last line of Phi-Nuettes in 1976, Little Sisters of The Delta Theta chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Later she was inducted into the Sisterhood of the Epsilon Gamma chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Spring line of 1978.

After Graduating Penn State University, Gail began working in 1980-1981 at Strawberry Fields Inc. in State College PA, while waiting for her fiancé to later graduate. She began her career working with Adults who had special needs at Elwyn Institute in 1981-1986. Gail thrived as a leader in all her roles as a Public Servant while transitioning from a Case Worker to her Management position where she furthered her career in the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities Services DBHIDS. She worked as a Case Manager in 1986, soon after stepping into her role as a Risk Management Unit Supervisor before becoming the Director of Pehnhurst Management, Case Management Unit until 2017. Her presence was surely known in every meeting she attended while holding her position at the head of the table.

Gail volunteered along with her devoted husband Don, and was involved with the Mount Airy Bantams Youth Association starting in 1992 until present date. Gail introduced both children Don a star Football player and Donielle a shining Cheerleader within the Bantams Organization. Gail displayed leadership traits by showing support as a Team Parent, Team Mom, Cheerleading Coach, Cheerleading Parent Rep, Vice Chair of Board of Directors, later becoming the Chair Person of Board of Directors, all while being a mentor to shepherd the youth into adulthood by way of the M.A.B family.

On Tuesday, January 19, 2021, God called Gail home. She is survived by a loving husband Don Ricardo Harrison Sr, son Don Ricardo Harrison Jr and daughter Donielle Nicole Harrison, and grandson Alec Chase Harrison; Three Siblings Dr. Valarie Swain-Cade-McCoullum and husband Hank McCoullum, Dr. William Arch Swain Jr and wife Charlotta Swain and youngest brother Brian Swain and wife Michele Swain. Gail’s Aunt Gloria Lindner and Aunt Anita Swain, along with nieces and nephews Ena Cade, David Cade II and wife Kesha Cade, Lauren Faulk and husband Patrick Faulk, Vanessa Price and husband Eugene Williams, Tiara Swain, Gabrielle Swain, Tatiana Swain, Sarina Swain and Isabelle Swain; Lastly a host of great nieces, nephews and friends.

Submitted With Love,

The Family

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