Shirley Belle Harrell

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.