Greenville, North Carolina is mourning the loss of Susan Harrison, who passed away on Tuesday, December 28, 2025, at the age of 98. Authorities are investigating her death as an apparent suicide, a tragedy that has deeply affected the city she called home throughout her life.
Born and raised in Greenville, Susan pursued her education at Pitt Community College, an institution that has long served as a cornerstone for local students seeking advancement and opportunity. Her connection to the college reflected her commitment to growth and learning in a community shaped by higher education and the presence of East Carolina University.
Susan was best known as a devoted mother whose life revolved around her family, especially her son, Jayden Harrison. Friends and neighbors remember her for her kindness, warmth, and unwavering support—qualities that made her a source of comfort and encouragement to those around her.
Her story is inseparable from the heartbreaking loss of Jayden, who was killed on July 4, 2023, at just 21 years old. Found in the parking lot of Planet Fitness on Thomas Langston Road, his death was later confirmed as homicide. Jayden, a graduate of J.H. Rose High School and a student preparing to attend Pitt Community College, had been focused on fitness and personal improvement. His murder shocked Greenville and left Susan in profound grief.
The investigation into Jayden’s death eventually led to the arrest of Joshua Kadarius Rosenburg in March 2024, after DNA evidence linked him to the crime. Charged with first-degree murder and related offenses, Rosenburg’s case advanced to Superior Court. Susan publicly expressed relief at the arrest, describing it as the first step toward justice for her son, though the pain of loss remained.
Despite unimaginable sorrow, Susan continued to speak openly about her experiences, urging compassion and awareness around violence and mental health. Her resilience inspired many in Greenville, a community that values support networks and collective healing. Susan Harrison’s life was defined by maternal love, quiet strength, and a lasting presence in her hometown. Even amid tragedy, she touched others with her compassion and perseverance, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and courage in eastern North Carolina.