Memorials With more than 4,000 members of the Harding family, many individuals were likely to suffer from tragedies and losses, and as Christian brothers and sisters, many tried to lend sympathy, encouragement and prayers in those difficult times. In 1998-99, Harding lost two members of the "immediate family." One beloved staff member passed away after a le.ngthy battle with cancer and a freshman student died following complications with diabetes. The Petit Jean staffdedicates this page to their memories and extends its sympathy to those who loved them. Suzanne Spurrier Many students have come and gone from Hardingwithout personally meeting Suzanne Spurr ier, but they certainly received the benefits of her wonderful life 'through the superior quality of the Brackett Library and its staff. She devoted herself to the library to make it the best possib le resource for students, faculty and staff. The library was her baby, and she took care of it like no other. Suzanne Frances Spurrierwas born Dec. 21,1947, in Zanesville, Ohio, and she died Dec. 23, 1998, after a long battle with cancer. A 1971 graduate of Harding, she taught the fifth grade in Parkersburg,W. Va.andwas named Teacher of the Year. In 1975, she returned to Harding towork in the library and, from then on, she served the Lord by dedi-cating her work to the Brackett Library. She is survived by a sister, Grace Steil , and ' her family: her husband and two sons and their wives . Spurrier's character was best illustrated by her friends and coworkers. "Even in her sickness, on days she was weak, she displayed joy to all those whom she encountered in the library." Ashley Burton, junior "She made each of us feel so uniquely special , and now there is a large void at the top of the Brackett Library and in the depths of our hearts." Ted Buss, staff "She went quietly about her good deeds, leaving many wondering 'who helped me? ' because God always received the glory!" Belva Bellock, staff • 284 I ND EX "Although she is gone, she will live on in our hearts foreverl " Debbie Johnson, staff During her memorial service, College church minister Bruce McLarty read from some of Spurrier's e-mailmessages she had sent to the Harding faculty during her illness. One particu larly reflected her attitude: "When people ask how I am, I just say, 'Saved.' That's all that matters anyway." Spurrierwas truly an example for all and, after she left thisworl d, she' continued to give to others as she provided a reception for the hundreds who attended her memorial service. Although she never married, Proverbs 31:29-31 describes her perfectly: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them a ll. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." Suzanne Spurrier's life was an excellent mode lbecause, as one of her favori te passages - Colossians 3:23 -says, sheworked forthe Lord, not men. She gave to others in her lifetime, and this past Christmas, as junior Tassie Bauman said, uMiss Spurrier received the greatest gift of all - she got to go home." - Eli Perkins Larry Criss Lawrence "Larry" Criss of Chicago died in his dorm room of undetermined causes at the beginning of the spring semester. He had been working to control a diabet ic cond ition during the months preceeding his death, and the doctors said they believed his death to have been related to that disease. Pat Rice, director of Student Health Services, spent a lot of time with Criss because of his health problems. "Hewas appreciative. He knew that we cared about his well ness and his academic success," she said. "He always said, ' I'm gonna be all right, Mrs. Rice.'" Junior Otto Lovo said of his roommate, "He was respectful all the time. Hewas humbleand quiet. He taught his friends how to handle difficult times. " Freshman Malaika Joiner, Criss' girlfriend, said, "He was a true friend. He was always there when you needed someone to talk to and would a lways stop the rumors if you tried to talk about one of his friends. " Dr. Ken Neller, an associate professor of Bible, spoke at the chapel memorial service for Criss on Jan . 14. He echoed Lovo's sentiments. "His friends describe him as 'a tenderhearted, compassionate and caring person,'" Neller said. "He didn't like people judging each other and he would especially stand up for his friends when someone criticized one of them." Criss' devotion to his friends was one of his most memorable characteristics. HaroldAlexander, a counselor in Student Support Services, said he considered Criss to be one ofhis good friends. "Larry vo lunteered to go on a leadership retreat to Marianna, Ark., his freshman year," Alexander said. "He was a very likable person who enjoyed being around young people and he lping them out. He really cared about young people." Alexander recalled Criss playing basketball wi th the kids at the retreat. Basketball and football were two of Criss' passions. He lettered in both in high school. According to what his family told Neller, "Larry was the only person they knew who had broken every bone in his body." He also loved video games such as National League Baseball Pennant Race. "After a stressful day of class, we would play video games to relax," Lovo said. Still others recalled Criss' ability to make people laugh. Junior Kar la Mueller had an English class with him last fal l. "Hewasjusta fun guy. He came in to take the final [examl wearing sunglasses and a crazy hat - in a really good mood," she said. Criss was born Nov. 14, 1978. He is survived by his mother, Nurley, and a little brother named Timmy. Hewas buried in Chicago. During the memorial service, Neller reminded the chape l audience that, "It is important to have fun in life but it is more important to leave behind a legacy of compassion and love li ke Larry did with hi s friends ." - April Mouser
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