Arnette Delores Harmon

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Arnette D. Cortner Harmon was born in Dayton, Ohio to the late Artie D. and Gertrude Cortner. She was reared in a loving, nurturing family. It was in this environment that she learned the importance of family and developed many of her talents and skills. She was the middle child of three girls and the sisters had a special bond of love and laughter.

Arnette attended Jefferson Senior High School where she continued to persevere and ultimately became Senior Class President in 1969. She continued her education, graduating from Wright State University in 1973 with a major in English. While working full time and going to school full time, she still managed to pledge and become a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Rho Chapter, on June 13, 1970.

She was later married to the late Dale A. Harmon and this union was blessed with their beloved son, McKenzie. Arnette so deeply loved, respected, and admired her son. She truly saw the best in him. This love continued to grow with McKenzie’s marriage to beloved daughter-in-law Myeshia and grandchildren McKenzie Nicole and Maxton. Arnette would affectionately refer to them as her “family of four”. They were her heart, and she was their “Peach”.

One of her most rewarding experiences was returning to Jefferson Township to teach English to 7th – 9th graders. Through her precious time with “her kids”, she was most proud of being coach of the High School’s award-winning girls track team. Although she was never an athlete, she had an eye and method for seeing skill and talent – molding it towards perfection.

After teaching, she went on to pursue a career in the Federal Government where she had 27 years of stellar service. Her service began at San Antonio Air Force Base (AFB) in the area of contract negotiation and culminated in retirement in leadership as an Acquisition Program Manager at Wright Patterson AFB. She was continually sought after as a professional due to her expertise and her excellence.

Arnette was always probing, seeking to be closer to God and His works. She received the Lord at age 9 at Corinthian Baptist Church in Dayton. Her thirst for God was heightened while attending and ultimately joining New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in 2001. As she strengthened her walk with Christ, she eagerly and joyfully served in ministry (including ABIDE and as an altar worker). She also immersed herself in numerous biblical learning opportunities. For approximately 17 years, she served with the prophetic ministry team under the membership of Apostle Sandee Hemphill. This is also where her knowledge of and experiences with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit exploded like a ground swell.

Let us all be encouraged and inspired by this life well lived. Young and old have been blessed to listen and glean from Arnette’s wisdom according to the truth of God as demonstrated in her life. God used her to minister to people in all stations of life. There are countless testimonies of Arnette giving and serving in her hope to glorify God. Her life’s service was a testament to Jeremiah 1:9-10 which says, “Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, Now, I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”  As she would often say, “I stay ready, to keep from getting ready.”  May all of us “Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”, Philippians 3:14 (KJV).

Arnette is survived by her son Mckenzie (Myeshia) Harmon; Mother, Gertrude Cortner Duncan; Grandchildren, McKenzie Nicole Harmon and Maxton Harmon; Sisters, Belinda (Clifford) Hall and Rhonda Peterson; Nieces, Morgan Peterson, Candace Hall and Great-Niece Blake Carpentier; Nephew, Julian (Celia) Carpentier

Visitation 11:00 AM and Funeral Service 12:00 PM Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at New Salem Baptist Church, 2956 Cleveland Ave. Mask and Social Distancing are required. Interment at Glen Rest Memorial Estates.

Ministry of Comfort entrusted to MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave.

Condolence Messages

  1. So sorry to hear and read about the passing of our dear Sister in Christ and Soror. Her sweet spirit beautiful smile, and kind words will truly be missed. May the spirit of the Holy Ghost comfort you during this time. Jesus is able to keep you in perfect peace.

  2. My sincerest condolences to the family. I’m praying for your peace and understanding. Many blessings to you all.

  3. Lisa Dalton-Robinson

    My deepest condolences to Soror Harmon’s family. She was a wonderful person. Her family is in my prayers.

  4. My sincere condolences to you cousin…I don’t know if you remember me. My brother and I lived down the street from your grandparents on Huron Ave in Dayton, Ohio
    We are praying for you during this time…
    Patrick & Tracy Arnold

  5. May her soul though the mercy of God rest in eternal peace. Condolences and prayers to the family. She was a true light; a beautiful and truly beloved sorority sister to me and many others.

  6. Rest well, my sweet, sweet Soror! Hearing about your transition hits hard. You will truly be missed. To McKenzie, Myeshia, and the kids, please know that you are definitely in my prayers!

  7. Rest well, sweet Soror. She was a beautiful person – always a smile and encouraging word. Praying that God will comfort you as only He can.

  8. Kimberly Allen-Davis

    Sending so much love and prayers of strength! Sending heartfelt condolences to you all!!! She always had a warm smile and truly a warm spirit!!

  9. Heartfelt condolences cousins. I only met her once at a Dayton family reunion, she was Mckenzies mom. Very sweet. We just buried my mom, Doris. Life sucks sometimes. Take heart in the memories

  10. Michelle Reynolds

    Sending condolences, prayers, and love to the family of my dearest Soror. I will miss her beyond measure, just as others will. We thank God for the precious memories of such a beautiful sister. She fought a good fight and kept the faith. Rest in heaven beloved. Rest well.

  11. Sending love and prayers to the family of my BEAUTIFUL Soror and Friend. Her kindness and sweet spirit will truly be missed. Rest In Peace.

  12. Ms. Harmon was such a beautiful soul. She was always so kind to me and had such an infectious smile. I ask that God will surround the entire Harmon family with his peace and love. God bless.

  13. Sending my deepest condolences and prayers to the family of Soror Arnett Harmon; a beautiful person inside and out. She will be missed.

  14. My sincere condolences to the Harmon Family. May God continue to give you all strength and peace during this time. Soror Harmon was such a beautiful person who allowed her light to shine bright on everyone she encountered. She will be missed tremendously. Rest in Heaven Queen!

  15. Gloria “Glo” Redding

    Sending my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Soror Harmon. She was a kindhearted, admired, gentle lady. May your fond memories bring peace, comfort, and strength.
    Peace and blessings. ❤️

  16. Soror Tanza Reese

    Sending prayers and condolences to the family. May God comfort the family during these times. I have great memories of us teaching on the Junior High
    level years ago.

  17. Dr Rhonda Gullette

    I’m so very sorry to hear of the passing of Soror Arnette Harmon. She’s one of the sharpest ladies I know. I remember the first time I saw her at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, I was blown away. She was so professional and impeccably dress, I just knew she was a Delta and I wanted to meet her. I was blessed to work with her at WPAFB. I was also blessed to run into her at the Convention. Such an amazing lady. I will miss you. There is no one like Arnette. Rest Beautiful One!

  18. Heaven has gained an Angel. She will truly be missed. My sincerest condolences to the family, and continued prayers for your strength and faith during this difficult time.

  19. Soror JoAnn Jackson Williams and family

    Our sincerest sympathies to the entire family. We were devastated to learn of the passing of Nettie. Another angel has entered heaven. A loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend and soror.
    May God grant you all comfort during this difficult time.

  20. Teresa & Mike Bickett

    Nette was a beautiful spirit! Anyone blessed enough to spend time with her always left feeling uplifted by her warm, welcoming presence.

    Our deepest sympathies for your loss. We will truly miss dear Nette and we will continue to keep you all in prayer.

  21. Rev. Dr. Monica J Lowe

    My Care group sister Arnette. She had a gift of making everyone she met feel special. I will miss the eyebrow which was her signal to you to get on track and stay focused on Jesus. She was a great friend ‘ She loved her family of four so much! I was glad to have seen her on her 70th birthday but sad that it was my last time seeing her on this side . Blessing, peace and comfort to the family.

  22. So sorry for your loss, sending prayers of peace and comfort to your family.

  23. I was Arnette’s procurement clerk at WPAFB for several years and enjoyed working with her. She was a good friend and and life was never dull with her around. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. Just thinking about her right now makes me smile!

  24. Sending heartfelt condolences to Rhonda and all loved ones of Soror Arnette. I will miss her beautiful smile and presence. Praying beautiful memories of Arnette comfort you in the days ahead.

  25. I’m so sorry to hear of Arnette’s passing. My condolences go out to her family. Arnette and I shared many good times as sorority sisters and friends. I will miss her vivacious personality.

    Toni Harris

  26. Sending my deepest condolences to the family, my New Salem family and friends of Soror Harmon. Soror Harmon was always sweet, kindhearted person. Praying for your peace and comfort during this difficult time.

  27. Soror Sandra (Sandy) Christian McGruder

    The prayer and condolences of the Christian family are extended to the entire, Harmon and Cortner families. We have known each other for many years!
    Our prayer is that are almighty God will comfort you as only He can.

    I will miss you my funny, Soror, Sister and Friend!

    Love Sandy and family

  28. My deepest condolences and prayers to the entire family. What a blessing to see the beloved sisterhood of Arnette and Rhonda, thankful to have been welcomed into Delta Sigma Theta Inc. sorority sisterhood by them both. She was truly a light and since meeting her in 2001, I’m thankful to have shared several great personal memories through prayer groups, visits, and sorority service. She will be missed, and I’m comforted to know she’s free to worship eternally. God bless you all.

  29. Krystal Dominick

    Arnette you was truly an Amazing and Beautiful woman i have fond memories of you being in dayton over mina house for holidays or over Aunt Alvernia house.From the DOMINICK FAMILY we send our Love and Prayers to the Family

  30. Continuing to pray for the entire Harmon family. I will miss Arnette as she provided countless words of encouragement to me. I am a better person because of our interactions where she shared the word of God and her wisdom. She fought a good fight, she kept the faith. Rest in peace Arnette!

  31. Belinda, Cliff, Candace,

    I was deeply saddened to read the news of Arnette’s death this morning. It was a joy and honor to know and work with Arnette at Wright Patterson over the years, a great friend and true class act in every way. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Highest Regards,
    Carolyn Wilt

  32. My deepest condolences to the family. Arnette was a beautiful person and she will
    Be missed. Praying for your comfort and strength.

  33. Sorry to hear about the passing of Arnette.

    Adrienne and Calvin Heard

  34. Ap. Annette Jackson

    To the Harmon family, we are so deeply sorry to hear of your beloved’s passing. Min. Arnette Harmon, and I mean Minister Arnette, because she always led, loved and served as Christ demonstrated. She was a genuine and caring soul; indeed one of God’s best angels in this earth. I’ll be continually praying for your family as you navigate these difficult days and days to come. Sending love and hugs.

  35. Deborah Tidwell-Tucker

    To Ms. Gertrude, Belinda and Rhonda, I send my deepest and sincere condolences. I was so shocked to have just recently heard of the death of Arnette. It has been many years since I have seen you all, but just know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. To Arnette’s son, my heartfelt condolences are being sent to you also. From the Tidwell and Mitchell families.

  36. To Ms Gertrude, Belinda and Rhonda, I send my deepest condolences to my childhood friend and Soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Alpha Pi Chapter. Arnette and I lived right next door to one another on Haller St in Dayton, Ohio at Elizabeth Pate Gragg, my grandmother’s home. Our birthdays were only 4 days apart; she was the oldest. I am so sorry to hear this. May you RIH, and I will see you later. My prayers go out to you and your loved ones. From Johnetta Revere Williams Yulfo in Rochester, New York for 49 years.

  37. Dearest Family of beautiful Arnette, I am so very sorry to hear that your daughter, sister, aunt, Mom and precious friend is gone from us. Somehow, I lost the connection and just found out today, through a returned Christmas card that she left for Heaven already. A beautiful light that is now making Heaven laugh and smile just as she did for all of us here on earth. May your sweet memories and love remind you of her always. She was a treasured sister from another Mom and I look forward to seeing her again.

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