Harrison Nosata Salami was born to the union of Adam and Lily Salami in the City of Eku in Delta State Nigeria. Harrison grew up in Obiaruku, Warri, Agbor, and Benin. He was the third of 13 children. As a child, he was very funny, hard-working, and always obedient. He professed his hope in Jesus Christ as a young child and was baptized in the Catholic Church.
He came to the United States in 1973 and attended Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) where he thrived as a star student-athlete. He completed both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at MTSU. Harrison was a track star for the Nigerian Olympic Team that would have gone to the Montreal Olympics in 1976, but all the African countries boycotted.
Harrison was a huge advocate for both academics and sports. Later in his life, he served as President of the Nigerian International Athletes Association (NIAA), an organization purposed to provide resources to youth in Nigeria to achieve their potential in education and sports. As a part of the mission, Harrison and other members shipped sports goods and other basic needs to youth in Nigeria.
On April 30, 1988, Harrison joined in holy matrimony with Pamela Juanita Stevens and blended their families together with their children Marc, Margaret, Harrison Jr., and Derrick. Harrison and Pamela loved traveling and watching sports together. Harrison was a family man. He truly loved all his nieces and nephews and enjoyed gathering with family, especially at family reunions.
Harrison loved to cook. He often shared his love through cooking for others, especially with his dear neighbors, Sydney & Michele, John & Shizue (See), and the Patel Family. Always a gracious host to those that visited him and his wife in Dallas, Texas. He was a very giving and generous person with an amazing sense of humor.
On July 5, Harrison went to be with his Lord and Savior, with his wife and dear friend, Rita, her mother, and her son by his side. He has left a profound legacy of compassion and generosity. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Felix Kumasi Eminokaju, Victoria Okwudili, Rachel Opene, David Salami, and Joy Ekudayo. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 34 years, Pamela Salami; children, Marc (Marcus), Margaret (LaToya), Harrison Jr. (Tiffanie), Derrick (Kelly); stepson, George (Tammy); grandchildren, Chris, Alana, DuJuan, DuMikah, Theron, Alaysia Lily, Ellie, Jaxon Nosata, and Jaiden; siblings, Dr. Charles Salami (Fati), Theresa Omosigho, Lizzy Sarumi, Samson Salami (Clara), Hajia Mariam (Jane) Aminu (Aminu), Patience Agha (Charles), and Daniel Salami (Omolayo); dear cousins, Hon. Michael Ebie (Lita) and Matthew (Jacy); dear friends, Dr. Bruce (Remi), Godwin, Ken (Angela), Princeton (Jacquie), Charlton (Vivian), Akin (Tope), Dr. Hope, and Rita; godson, Uyi, and goddaughter, La Gena; and a host of dear nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, July 16, 2022, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The family will receive friends prior to the service during a visitation on Saturday, July 16, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., at the funeral home.
The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Harrison’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/harrison-nosata-salami After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Saturday, July 23, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., at Baucom’s Life Celebration Center, 9480 Lewis and Clark Boulevard, Jennings, Missouri, 63136. A graveside service will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 2101 Lucas and Hunt Road, St. Louis, Missouri, 63121.