Karen Harrison Garrison

Karen Lynn Garrison (née Harrison), Professor Emerita of Music at Auburn University, died Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Auburn, Alabama, at the age of 69.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 9, 1956, to Oscar Dill Harrison and Sarah “Brooksie” Brooks Maret, Karen graduated in 1978 from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill with a bachelor's degree in music education and performance. At UNC, she was a proud member of Kappa Delta Sorority. She went on to receive a Master of Music at University of South Carolina (‘82), and Doctor of Music at Florida State University (‘86).

While completing her doctoral studies, Garrison joined the Auburn University faculty in 1983, where she specialized in flute performance and pedagogy. She served as president of the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors and as national secretary and southern chapter president of The College Music Society. In 2009, Karen was selected as a College of Liberal Arts Engaged Scholar in recognition of her outreach work in local and national communities. She had an interest in music by women composers and Native American music, on which she gave recitals and lectures in the United States and South America.

Outside of the classroom, Karen found great peace working in her yard, planting hostas around the house, though she often joked about unwittingly feeding the local deer. She opened her home to many rescued dogs and cats, including Maddox the Pomeranian and most recently Ollie the Maltipoo. She also opened her home to family, which she treasured most. She and her sister, Susan, celebrated holidays and planned European trips together with their families to make sure their sons grew up close. Later in life, Karen became the primary caretaker for Roger, her husband of 37 years, through his advancing stages of dementia. Roger passed away earlier this year. Karen’s family will remember her as a devoted, calm, and comforting support, whether in good or difficult times.

Karen is survived by her son, Jim Garrison, his wife, Margo Sulmont, and her grandson Anatole Maret; and her two nephews, Brooks Kieran-Kaufman and Emmet Kaufman, and their families.

Contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Centennial Capital Campaign at the Peachtree Road United Methodist Church or to a charity of your choice. Family and friends will gather for a memorial to celebrate the lives of Karen and Roger together later in the year.