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The Greenville community is reeling from the devastating loss of Susan Harrison, a devoted mother whose life was shaped by love, advocacy, and unrelenting grief following the death of her son, Jayden Harrison. On Sunday, Susan was found deceased in the parking lot on Thomas Langston Road—the same location where Jayden was shot and killed in 2023. Authorities have indicated that her death is being investigated as an apparent suicide, marking a heartbreaking end to a journey defined by loss and perseverance.
Susan Harrison became widely known not just as a grieving mother, but as a powerful voice for justice. After Jayden’s killing outside the Planet Fitness, she dedicated herself to keeping his story alive. She transformed the place of tragedy into a space of remembrance by creating a memorial, while also mobilizing the community through awareness campaigns, yard signs, billboards, and a dedicated website. Her consistent presence on social media and tireless fundraising efforts helped sustain a reward for information, ensuring the case remained in the public spotlight.
Law enforcement officials later acknowledged that Susan’s advocacy played a significant role in maintaining momentum in the investigation, which ultimately led to an arrest in March 2024. Despite this development, the emotional weight of losing her son never eased. Those close to Susan say her strength was extraordinary, but grief remained a constant companion—one that time alone could not heal.
Professionally, Susan was a respected registered nurse case manager and a graduate of Pitt Community College. Colleagues and friends remember her as compassionate, diligent, and deeply committed to helping others through their most challenging moments. Even while carrying her own pain, she continued to show empathy and care to those around her.
At the heart of everything Susan did was her love for Jayden. A graduate of J.H. Rose High School, a former East Carolina University student, and a member of Sigma Tau Gamma, Jayden was remembered for his bright personality and wide-ranging interests—from Lego and Star Wars to gaming and trivia. Susan worked tirelessly to ensure that her son would be remembered for his life and passions, not solely for the tragedy that took him.
Today, flowers rest near the memorial Susan once created, now serving as a symbol of both a mother’s devotion and a community’s shared sorrow. Her passing leaves a deep void for her family, friends, and all who followed her courageous fight for justice. Yet her legacy endures in the awareness she raised, the compassion she embodied, and the reminder of the human stories behind every headline.
As Greenville mourns Susan Harrison, she is remembered for her strength, her advocacy, and the boundless love she held for her son. Her life stands as a testament to a mother’s unwavering devotion and the lasting impact of speaking out, even in the face of overwhelming grief.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the United States, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988. Local support is also available through the Real Crisis Center at 252-758-4357.