Kristi Lea Draughon Harrison was a kind, funny, spirited person. She was smart, witty, a true friend, loving mother, wife and daughter. Whether talking to Kristi in person or on the phone, you could not help but smile.
Kristi attended Spring Branch High School and graduated from Northbrook High School where she was a cheerleader her senior year. From a young age Kristi had a need for speed. She was often seen riding her minibike around her neighborhood streets and later riding her Harley motorcycle around Houston. She was spontaneous and unpredictable, and being with her, never a dull moment was to be had. While at Texas A&M University, she was able to enjoy her love for country and western dancing and could rightly claim to be one of the best two-steppers in the town. Many a handsome young man was turned down for a dance if his two-step was not top notch.
Kristi attended Texas A&M University and graduated from the University of Houston–Clear Lake. Kristi was determined, focused and very disciplined in her life and career. She enjoyed a successful career as a pharmaceutical representative with Novartis Pharmaceuticals. During her career she earned many awards including top sales for the region. Kristi had a gift for talking to people, and the doctors and the staff who worked in the offices came to know and love her. They enjoyed her tact, honesty and her own personal way of taking care of each client.
Kristi and her husband, Sam, had two sons, Cole and Jake. Kristi was a dedicated wife and mother and loved her sons dearly. While she was battling cancer, her main concern was that someone was loving her boys and giving them hugs while they were away from her. It was important to her that she would live long enough for the boys to become a little older before it was time for her to leave them.
Kristi was petite in stature but not in heart and personality. Whatever she did, she took the place and people by storm. When diagnosed with brain cancer in 2006, this did not change. She was relentless in her fight, always comforting those around her and never asking, “Why me”? Kristi demanded a lot from her doctors and never just took what they said as the truth. She questioned everything and always kept the doctors on their toes.
Kristi lost her courageous fight with brain cancer on August, 24, 2009, at the age of 41. While she left us at a young age, she left us with abundant memories, inspiration and love. Anyone who knew Kristi was blessed in so many ways and will never forget her passion for life, her brave battle and the way she could make you smile time and time again.
Written by Kristi’s cousin, Stephanie Husmann