Connie Edwards Harrell

Connie Marie Edwards Harrell, 74, passed away at home on December 9, 2024, after a valiant fight with Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). She was predeceased by her parents, Dudley G. and Elsie H. Edwards, her maternal grandparents, Henry Edward and Emily Proctor Harrell, her paternal grandparents, Floyd and Lillie Belle Grizzard Edwards, and her brothers-in law Earl C. Baldwin and Martin F. Harrell, Sr. She is survived by her loving husband and partner of 48 years, Donald B. (Donnie) Harrell, her loving and devoted son and daughter - in law, Matthew D. Harrell and Carla Jones-Harrell, beloved and supportive sisters Terri Branch (Bobby) and Sharon Mattox (Tim,), brother-in-law Michael W. Harrell, sisters-in-law Betty Pope Harrell, Mary Jane Harrell, and Brenda Harrell. She cherished her Edwards nieces and nephews Jeremy Branch (Melissa), Daniel Mattox, Jordan Mattox (Kristin),and niece Erin Byrum (Ryan), and her Harrell nieces and nephews: Marty Harrell (Stacy), Wendi Simmons (Mark), Stuart Harrell, Mary Beth Poarch (Brian) and Brett Harrell. She also had special relationships with her cousins, especially Gladys Harrell Morris, her lifelong friend, Brenda South Smith, her precious great nieces and nephews Jeremiah, Graysen, Henry, Kinley, Macie, Sarah, Blair, Reid, Sydney, Jane and Jackson, and two adorable granddogs, Lou Lou and Gigi

Connie attended Jarratt High School and graduated from Stony Creek High School. She attended Chowan College, James Madison University, and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) and a Masters degree in Education and Human Development from George Washington University. She was an admired and respected teacher and devoted her entire career to the education of students in Sussex County. She began teaching 7th grade, then taught kindergarten for many years, after which she became the head of the Gifted and Talented program. She also performed administrative duties when needed and often filled in for principals. She retired in 2006 after 34 years of dedicated service in education and teaching several generations of students.

Connie was a lifelong and active member of Lebanon United Methodist Church in Jarratt.  She served in many capacities including chair for many years of the Administrative Council and the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, and was a member of the choir for most of her adult life. Connie had a beautiful voice and sang solos on many occasions, including at weddings, funerals, baptisms, and at Christmas, Easter and other special church services.  She was a breast cancer survivor for 24 years and had many other health challenges over the years, but always kept a beautiful smile on her face, always had a positive outlook, never ever complained, and always put the needs of others ahead of her own. She cherished her family and friends and all who knew her were blessed.

A celebration and resurrection service officiated by the Rev. Alfred (Fred) O’Daire, Jr., and Rev. Donna Smith will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, VA, 23867 with visitation held one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Lebanon United Methodist Church in care of Mrs. Martha Tranka, 25113 Blue Star Hwy, Jarratt, Va. 23867. Interment will be at Greensville Memorial Cemetery, 1250 Skippers Rd., Emporia, VA 23847.