Shirley Belle Harrell
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It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of our beloved matriarch, Shirley Belle Harrell, who left us on Friday, August 16, 2024 after a beautifully lived life. Shirley was born on November 29th, 1929 and lived a life full of love, laughter, and depthless kindness touching the lives of everyone who knew her. Shirley lived a full life marrying the love of her life Alvin Harrell on February 7, 1948 and creating a beautiful family until his passing in 2015. Many will remember her for the many years spent milking cows, driving the #8 school bus, being a fixture at the 4-H fairgrounds, cheering on her numerous grandchildren at various sporting events, baking cakes and feeding any and everyone who stopped by. Shirley led her life by example, always having a kind word or gracious deed for anyone she met.
She was a cherished member of the Lone Star, Clinton and Lawrence communities. She was predeceased by her brothers Wayne (Joanne), Bradford (Doris), Dale (Barbara), who passed before her and leaves behind four children Jerry (Carolyn), Rick, Terry Harrell, Jolene Cunningham (Elmer), sister Nell Trefz and 27 grandchildren 25 great grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren along with countless surrogate family, friends and neighbors.
To commemorate her incredible journey earth-side and to celebrate the kindness she spread, a funeral service for Shirley will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 22, 2024 at Clinton Presbyterian Church, 590 N. 1200 Road, Lawrence. Burial will follow at Clinton Cemetery.
The family will greet friends from 4 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.
We invite all who knew her to join us in remembering a truly remarkable woman. To help us honor the loss of a truly phenomenal soul, in lieu of flowers, as she did not have life insurance, the family requested those attending the funeral or those wishing to pay respect to consider making a donation towards her funeral costs.
Sending all my love.
Terry, I am so sorry, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Shirley was one of the kindest and sweetest person’s I have known my thoughts and prayers are with you
She taught me so much, with such patience, canning, cooking, gardening even milking! She was a wonderful woman and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Prayer’s for you Shirley, for a life well lived. Time to go
rest high on the mountain, your earthly work is thru. Amen 🙏Carol & Dwight Folks
I am so sorry for this loss. Shirley was truly the most thoughtful, caring, hard working woman I have ever met. She was our #1 team penning fan, never missing a weekend watching us team pen. She could milk cows twice a day, drive a school bus twice a day, fix a huge dinner(for anyone that was hungry), can vegetables, butcher chickens, make a wedding dress( and a lot of other things), bake cakes, watch children and run a bait shop. One thing she would not do is ask for anything for herself. She was truly remarkable. She will be missed by so many. My thoughts are with the whole family during this difficult time.
Rick,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved mother. She lived a wonderful life, and I know how much she meant to everyone in the family. Continued prayers and peace in the days ahead.
So sorry for your loss. Love and prayers for peace! Losing someone so special is never easy. She was an amazing lady who never met a stranger!!
Rick,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Hearing the wonderful stories that you have shared with us about what an amazing woman that she was is so heartwarming. She lived a long-accomplished life. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
This us truly heartbreaking to lose such a beautiful person but at the same time it warms my heart to know that there is no doubt that Shirley is in the arms of our Heavenly father along side her wonderful husband & family that’s gone before her. Shirley was the closest to an angel while she was here on earth! Such a kind & giving heart & soul! I’m honored to have been a part of her family! Shirley & Alvin will always be near & dear to my heart! RIP angel! You definitely earned those wings! 😇❤️
For many years she has been known by our family as grandma Shirley. Her legacy and love will continue on. I want to thank her family for sharing your mom, grandma and great grandma with my sister and I. We loved her as much as you did.
Shirley, you were an important part of my life. Thank you for welcoming me into your home and family.
So sorry for the passing of your mother such a great woman. I remember her driving the school bus.