Musical Prelude ..................................................................................Musicians Processional.............................................................................Family & Friends Hymn of Comfort.............................................................GBC Celebration Choir Scripture Readings Old Testament: Psalm 23:1-6.....................................Rev. Dr. Brenda Ferguson New Testament: John 14:1-4...........................................................Pam Harrell Prayer of Comfort.........................................................Rev. Dr. Brenda Ferguson Solo..................................................................................Rev. Deedra Chambers Reflections..................................................................................Wonda Watkins Helen Artis Pastor Thurman Leonard Rev. Gwendolyn Smith Acknowledgments....................................................................Tinisha Williams Silent Reading of Obituary Photo Montage Solo.................................................................................................Garrett Hall Eulogy...........................................................................Rev. Dr. Dwight Riddick Hymn..............................................................................GBC Celebration Choir Committal......................................................................Rev. Dr. Dwight Riddick Recessional...............................................................................Family & Friends
Arnalee Sylvia Harrell, often called Sylvia, peacefully departed from her heavenly home on December 30, 2023. Born on December 4, 1935, in Poecassi, NC, she was the beloved daughter of the Late Elton and Nellie Gray Futrell, Sr. A proud graduate of Carver High School, she initially worked at Chase Bag Company in Newport News for several years before dedicating her life to the noble role of a stayat-home parent. Her commitment to family extended beyond her immediate kin, as she became an active member of the Orcutt Senior Citizen Association (OSSA), reflecting her dedication to community and fellowship. Sylvia began her spiritual journey at Greater Walter AME Church, where she was baptized. Later became a devoted member of Gethsemane Baptist Church, where she found strength and inspiration for her unwavering faith. Sylvia had a personal relationship with the Lord, embodying the values of a Christian woman with profound faith in God. She was a dedicated wife for 67 years, she loved her family dearly. She instilled in her children, the importance of faith from an early age, ensuring their consistent attendance at Sunday school and church. Sylvia was not just a faithful attendee; she was also a dedicated tither which was a testament to her commitment to her faith community. Beyond her spiritual devotion, Sylvia had a heart of gold. Despite putting up a fuss, she would do anything for her family, earning her the title of the neighborhood mother who kept everyone in check. A Spelling Bee Queen, she enjoyed game shows, especially her soap operas. If you called her during her soap opera shows, she would playfully say, “Can I call
you back” or “Why are you calling me when my stories are on.” Anyone who knew Sylvia understood that she did not bite her tongue. Among her favorite hobbies were making ceramic pottery and watching Pittsburgh Steelers football games and plays. An excellent cook, she began each morning by thanking the Lord for waking her up. She was warmly welcomed in heaven by her parents, Elton and Nellie Gray Futrell, Sr., as well as siblings Elton Futrell, Jr., Nelson Futrell, Shirley Mickens, and Waverly Futrell, along with numerous loved ones and dear friends. She leaves a lasting legacy through her enduring 67-year marriage to her beloved husband, James Edward Harrell, Sr; Her profound love extends to her children, Wilbur Harrell, Septivia Wallace (Roderick), James Harrell, Jr. (Pam), Lorraine Hall (Garrett), Angela Hill (Barry), Shannon Harrell (Joyce), and a grandson who was like a son, Monta’ Harrell, Sr. (Tamika); Grandchildren Amir Wallace, Tajh Wallace, Bilal Wallace, Shekinah Harrell, Joshua Diggs, Barry Hill, Jr., Josiah Harrell, Kiana Harrell, Aaron Johnson, Gerald Glenn, Monta’ Harrell, Jr., Londyn Harrell, Liam Wallace, Amiya Wallace, Aislynn Glenn, Aidyn Glenn, and Adrain Glenn carry on her spirit; Sisters, Geraldine Harper and Sheila Bishop; Sister-in-law, Dorothy Futrell; and dear friends, Susie Holmes and Helen Artis. In addition, she leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and friends who will fondly remember her warmth, resilience, and the countless memories she created with those she loved.
Family and Friends
Family and Friends
Your sympathy in our recent loss will long be remembered. Thank you sincerely for all that you have done for our family in our time of need. Thanks for all the ways each of you have blessed our family throughout this process. Words can not express our gratitude for you all. A special thank you is extended to Davita Butler Farm Dialysis, Doctors, nurses and staff, Cooke Bros. Funeral Home, We Three Ricks Girls, Britt’s Florist, BJ Hair Gallery, Orcutt Senior Citizen Association, Gethsemane Baptist Church, Venis Adams for your consistent assistance with mom and Garrett Hall for your continuous support and efforts when the family needed you. We pray God’s riches blessings upon each of you. - The Harrell Family