Jordan Harrison had a tough upbringing in the projects of T.B. Watkins Homes in Kansas City.
Despite facing numerous challenges, his family attests that he emerged as a beacon of positivity, always ready with a warm smile and comforting words for those experiencing hardships.
“He had a way of touching people’s lives with just a smile,” Stacy Chastain, his mother, shares. “It’s both heartbreaking and heartwarming to see how he made those who felt ignored or undervalued feel loved.”
Harrison, a 33-year-old with years of experience in food service management, tragically passed away on February 2nd, possibly due to a drug overdose.
According to his family, Harrison had been committed to changing his life for the better in the past few months. He had spent several months in a sober living facility in Arkansas. After returning to Kansas City to assist a friend in need, his mother believes that being back in that environment before completing his treatment may have led to a potential relapse.
The authorities are currently conducting an ongoing investigation to determine the cause of Harrison’s death.
Harrison, who was born in Tulsa, relocated to Kansas City in 1998 along with his mother and five siblings. Growing up in a challenging neighborhood where he struggled to fit in, he became an easy target for verbal and physical attacks. Despite the hardships, his determination to overcome these obstacles did not go unnoticed by his mother.
According to her, Jordan faced numerous challenges during his school years and went through a lot of hardships in his personal life.
According to her, Harrison struggled with alcohol problems in his youth. However, a succession of surgeries aimed at fixing a hernia led to his dependence on pain medications.
Chastain and her children are hopeful that those who have loved ones battling addiction will maintain faith in their recovery journey. She prays for effective measures to be taken to address the alarming nationwide crisis of fatal opioid overdoses.
Before entering rehab, Harrison stayed with his younger brother, Zach Young, 29. During this time, the two brothers were able to bond and strengthen their relationship while Harrison went through the detoxification process.
“My brother put in a lot of effort to improve his life,” shares Young, who currently works as a personal trainer in Lenexa. “During his detoxification process, he expressed that he wouldn’t wish such an experience even on his worst enemy.”
With Young’s oldest brother imprisoned since 2007, Harrison was the sole remaining brother in his life. Despite being deeply affected by his brother’s passing, Young finds solace in reminiscing about the days filled with laughter and positivity that his brother used to bring to every conversation.
He says he will never forget the joy in his eyes, how he was always animated and entertaining, regardless of what he was doing.
Harrison worked at a Taco Bell in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he participated in a management training program. He had dreams of eventually owning his own fast-food franchise.
Harrison may not have had any children of his own, but according to his sister Chelsea Young, he took on the role of a father figure for her two children. Young reveals that she and Harrison referred to themselves as “the middle twin flames,” as they were both born in the midst of Chastain’s six children.
According to his sister, who holds a position as a project administrator for an electrical contractor, Jordan was an exceptional uncle. She fondly recalls how he was always there for her children, who adored him dearly.
Her older brother was the mastermind behind their beloved family traditions, such as the cherished Christmas pajama parties. He harbored a dream of his family residing together in a luxurious mansion. She believes that Harrison’s deep love for his family served as a driving force, compelling him to strive for success in life.
“He always had a heart full of love for everyone, regardless of their background or actions. Despite the hardships he faced, Jordan’s unwavering kindness and willingness to assist others were remarkable,” she expresses.
Chastain has fond memories of going out with her son, who had a unique talent for approaching strangers and offering them heartfelt compliments. She firmly believes that her son possessed an extraordinary ability to perceive the pain in people and intuitively understand what they needed to overcome their hardships.
Chastain reflects on her past experiences of feeling embarrassed whenever she went out with him. The reason behind her embarrassment was his tendency to strike up conversations with complete strangers. However, he once shared a valuable insight with her – you never know what someone is going through, and a simple compliment or smile from a stranger might be what gets them through the day.
Numerous individuals who were acquainted with Harrison expressed their heartfelt condolences.
“I have had the privilege of knowing Jordan since I was just 3 years old, and throughout the years, he has consistently been there for me. He has always treated my son as if he were his own.”
“Wow, the drug situation is really getting out of control. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Jordan Blake Harrison can attest to the fact that he was the life of the party, always bringing joy and positivity wherever he went.”
“You were always a radiant and joyful presence wherever you went, and that essence will forever remain with you.”
“You remained authentic and maintained a positive attitude throughout, regardless of the circumstances.”
River Young, the youngest child of Chastain, holds the belief that faith provides solace and assurance of his peaceful state.
Young, 26, reflects on her upbringing and the unshakable faith instilled in her by her mother. She acknowledges that the challenges she faces should be overwhelming, but she finds herself equipped with a supernatural strength that defies explanation.
A celebration of life ceremony was scheduled for Chastain in memory of Harrison on Feb. 24.
Chastain acknowledges that she has never experienced the pain of losing a child before. However, she finds solace in knowing that despite the challenges he faced, her child was able to bring happiness to numerous individuals.
Other Remembrances
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Patrick Bettis, a retired welder and loving father, passed away on January 18th at the age of 76.
Jerome Bettis, the oldest of Patrick and Leola Bettis’ seven children, was born on April 16, 1947, in Mobile, Alabama.
After relocating to Kansas City, Kansas, the family settled down, and in 1965, Bettis successfully completed his education at Sumner High School. Following his graduation, Bettis made the decision to serve in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Germany as a tank gunner.
After dedicating several years of his life to working as a welder, Bettis ultimately decided to retire from his position at Colgate-Palmolive. During his leisure time, he found solace in activities such as reading, fishing, horseback riding, and cherishing moments with his loved ones.
His children, Tynisha Bettis, Kenneth Gregory, Patrick Bettis III, and Lester Jackson, fondly remember him. He is also survived by his siblings, Roderick Bettis, Patricia Brandon, Benay Bettis, Benita Davidson, Carolyn Smith, and Phyllis Moore. Additionally, he leaves behind a loving family of nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.
Evelyn Shelton, a former medical worker and devoted mother, passed away on February 13th at the age of 97.
Shelton, a native of Lebanon, Illinois, was born on October 27, 1926. After completing her education at Lebanon Community High School in 1946, she relocated to Kansas City.
She spent several years working at St. Joseph Medical Center before ultimately retiring from Armco Steel Corp. in 1981. Following her previous marriage, she later tied the knot with Thomas Shelton in 1996.
Shelton will be forever remembered as a woman who had a deep-rooted faith and cherished every moment spent with her loved ones.
Her children, Yvonne Deboe, Kenneth Deboe, and Jeffrey Walker, fondly remember her, along with a plethora of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.