Martha Otelia Harrington

Martha Otelia Pressey Harrington was born in Hampton, Virginia, and is the daughter of Edith Hill and Moses Pressey.

Otelia excelled in her academics as a youth, eventually graduating from high school in Hampton, VA while remaining a devote member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church. After graduating from high school, Otelia attended Hampton Institute where she majored in English. Her college career was cut short due to a recurrent illness. It was during her recovery that she began dating Louis Harrington, whom she had met in an English class. They were married shortly thereafter, and of this marriage, Otelia gained a stepdaughter (Sandra Wells) and together, they had four children; Phyllis, Ronald, Gary and David Harrington.

The Harrington's lived in New Jersey for a while. Eventually they moved to Steelton, PA in the early 1950s. The Harrington's became members of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Steelton, PA, and remained faithful servants there until 1984. While at Mt. Zion, Otelia served as Deaconess, Church treasurer, Den Mother, Sunday School Teacher, Director of Baptist Training Union, Choir Director, and a member of the Missionary Society, Memorial, and Senior Choirs. Otelia served as a delegate to the National Baptist Conference of Christian Education as well.

Having been led by the Holy Spirit, Louis and Otelia became members of the Hillside Seventh Day Adventist Church, Harrisburg, PA in 1984. Otelia served faithfully as Assistant Treasurer, Stewardship Leader, Head Deaconess, Director of Golden Agers' Choir, and member of the Gospel choir, Sabbath School, and Prison Ministry.

Based on an idea of an area choir group proposed by Louis, Otelia became one of the founding members of the Capitol Area Music Association (CAMA) and served as a past president. She was a former member of the Choir Directors' Guild, Hampton University: Concert Soloist, appeared with Glass House Players in God's Trombone with William Buck Players in Finian's Rainbow and Porgy and Bess, and guest Soloist in many churches and events throughout Central PA.

Otelia worked for the Department of Health, Commonwealth of PA (6 years), Commonwealth National Bank (13 years) and retired as an Assistant Head Teller. As a Licensed Practical Nurse, Otelia worked at Dauphin Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (6 years) and retired as Charge Nurse. She was then employed as an Assistant Group Supervisor at Tot Haven Early Childhood Center before fully retiring.

Otelia is survived by her sister, Edith Lavene, her children; Ronald Harrington, David Harrington and Phyllis Harrington Schott, grandchildren; Marc and Miles, 5 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of family and friends.

Mask are necessary and required during services.

Due to Covid-19, there will be no repast following the service.

Meeting ID: 923 2110 8011

Passcode: 488872