Harvey Young Fiser’s faith was confirmed as she left this earth on March 24, 2024. Harvey’s life was one filled with love, laughter, and belief, and she lived it to the fullest.

Harvey was born on June 16, 1928, in Baptist Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. She was the first child born in the newly formed Cherokee Heights neighborhood, now called Council Circle/Fondren.

Harvey graduated from Central High School in Jackson in 1946. She attended Ole Miss where she received her degree in nutrition. She said it was Hal Fiser’s good luck he met her there! After graduating from Ole Miss, she returned to Jackson to work as a dietitian at Central High School.

During that time, Hal was drafted into the army and assigned to Washington, D.C. During a 10-day leave, Harvey and Hal married and Harvey joined him in Alexandria, Virginia. Working as a receptionist in a doctor’s office, a patient secretly told her the President would visit Gadsby’s Tavern, two blocks from their home. Ever the people person, she went to the tavern for two nights and was rewarded with meeting First Lady Bess Truman. Though Harvey and Hal did not have much early in their marriage, they found joy in the small things.

After Hal’s commission, they moved to Clarksdale where Hal taught science and coached basketball before transitioning to insurance and real estate. Harvey worked at First United Methodist Church, and the Fisers started their family, which eventually became a house full of five rambunctious boys (Greg, John, David, Ross, and Harvey). She always joked that she survived long afternoons with her friend Jewel Crowson and a glass of sherry or two.

In the 1950s, Harvey and Hal became charter members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Harvey taught Sunday school for years and was a fixture in the United Methodist women’s groups.

Harvey loved the blues culture of Clarksdale. One of her favorite artists was Super Chikan, who would call her to the stage at his shows. She loved to cook, swim, and travel. Even into her nineties, Harvey’s spirit of adventure and excitement for life took her to New England, Mexico, and Europe. She played bridge well into her late eighties and rarely missed Pilates class, which she credited with keeping her young.

Harvey was a friend to all. She was quick to laugh, a compelling storyteller, and a loving mother to her five sons.

Harvey is preceded in death by Hal Fiser and her sons John and Ross. She is survived by her sons Greg, David, and Harvey; her wonderful daughters-in-law Robin, Libba, Stacey, and Michelle; her eleven grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

The family thanks her lifelong friend and helper, Faye, who has been by Harvey’s side for fifty five years; Faye’s daughter, Angie, who kept her moving; and Betty, who joined Harvey every morning to start the day.

The Fiser family also thanks the many friends in Clarksdale who have loved Harvey and made her life here absolutely wonderful. While she will be missed by family and friends, she wants everyone to remember her with laughter instead of tears.

A service celebrating Harvey Fiser’s life will be held at Clarksdale Methodist Church on Wednesday, March 27, at 1:00 p.m. with visitation starting at noon.

The family asks that any memorials be made to Flowers Manor, 1251 Lee Drive, Clarksdale, Mississippi, 38614, or the charity of your choosing.

Meredith Nowell Funeral Home in Clarksdale, MS is handling the arrangements.