Margaret Summer Harrison, 80, of Newberry, passed away peacefully at White Oak Manor on Friday, January 30, 2026. Born on September 15, 1945, in Newberry County, she was a daughter of the late Thomas O’Merle and Mary Bedenbaugh Summer.

She graduated from Newberry High School in 1964 as Valedictorian of her class. She owned and operated Newberry’s iconic, Summers Restaurant for 35 plus years - a cherished establishment that was started by her father and was managed with passion and commitment. Margaret was a woman of deep faith and loved her family and friends. She was known for her kindness, generosity, and infectious laughter. She had a rare gift for finding humor in the simplest moments of everyday life and passed that on to her children. An avid reader and lover music, she listened to all types of music and found enjoyment in dancing.

Margaret is predeceased by her husband, Dannie Harrison, as well as sisters, Linda Blackburn and Merle Turner. Margaret is survived by her daughters, Tana Beard McCarthy (Shane), Pamela Beard Dominick, and her bonus children Robert Harrison, Denise Williams, and Misty York (Garrett); sisters, Kay Summer Long (Dean) and Judy McGee. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren who will carry forward her legacy of love and kindness.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 until 6:30 PM on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Whitaker Funeral Home in Newberry.

A Celebration of Margaret’s Life will begin at 6:30 PM, officiated by Rev. Jimmy Counts.

The Harrison family would also like to thank the entire staff of White Oak Manor for all the kindness and quality of care that was provided to our Mother.

Memories and messages of condolence may be shared with the family here on Margaret’s tribute page.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.