Jean Chason Harrell
August 27, 1939 – July 11, 2020
Private funeral services for Jean Chason Harrell, 80, of Whigham, GA, will be held at the Chapel of Clark Funeral Home. Rev. Bob Knight will officiate. Interment will be in Mars Hill Cemetery in Decatur County. Mrs. Harrell passed away at her home in Whigham, GA, on Saturday, July 11, 2020.
Mrs. Harrell was born on August 27, 1939, in Grady County, GA, to the late Harvey John Chason and Annie Lora Morgan Chason. On October 28, 1967, she married Cleve Harrell, Jr., who preceded her in death on October 5, 2007. They were married for 40 years. She was a graduate of Pelham High School, a member of El Bethel Baptist Church in Whigham, GA, and retired from the Grady County Sheriff’s Department in 2003.
A dedicated homemaker while working out of the home as well, Mrs. Harrell was a significant part of the success of the family farm alongside her husband. Many times, she could be found on the peanut picker in late afternoons while still providing a home cooked meal for the family. She was most famous for her comfort cooking, especially desserts which were eagerly sought after by family and friends. Nothing was more precious than the title of Nanny to her by her grandchildren whom she loved dearly. Everyone who entered her home was spoiled by her never ending soda and snack cabinet and as the years passed, she was referred to as Nanny by her grands’ friends and adults as well. No sweeter words were spoken than when one of her nieces or nephews mentioned Aunt Jean. The youngest of seven children, Mrs. Harrell was the cornerstone for family reunions, Easter egg hunts, and gatherings for her siblings and their families–a tradition now carried on by her nieces and nephews. Mrs. Harrell’s humble heart and generosity was her hallmark, and her love for her immediate and extended family was evident in her constant dedication to their needs.
Survivors include: daughters, Holly Harrell Smith (Cody) of Whigham, GA, Hope Harrell Hurst (Tim) of Cairo, GA; grandchildren, Hannah Hurst (TW) of Savannah, GA, Seth Hurst of Milledgeville, GA, Ches Smith (Brittanie) of Cairo, GA, Ty Smith of Whigham, GA; sister-in-law, Lois Chason of Whigham, GA; beloved nieces and nephews: Joyce McCook, Judy Ethredge, Sheli Ladner, Rhonda Thomas Willis, Donna Thomas Williams, Patty Holmes, Gloria Faye Pyles, Lisa Calhoun, Wallace Chason, Keith Chason, Debra King, Kay Clees, Mark Eakin, Earl Eakin, Joel Eakin, Peggy Matte, Gale Scott, Stephen Wimberly; and many special grand and great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband; brothers, Carroll Chason, Hollis Chason; and sisters, Louise Wimberly, Inez Singletary, Jeanette Eakin, Myrtle Thomas, and infant sister, Katherine Chason.
Memorials may be made in Mrs. Harrell’s memory to: Mars Hill Cemetery Fund, c/o Mary Jo Harrell, 2338 Harrell Road, Whigham, GA 39897.
