Obituary of Lou-Jean Harrell

Harrell, Lou Jean TROY Lou Jean Harrell, of High Pointe, entered into the arms of the Lord on Friday, September 19, 2008 at Samaritan Hospital. Lou Jean was born in Midville, Ga. to the late Doel and Irene (Walton) Williams. For 64 years, she was the loving wife of the late Nurney A. Harrell Sr. She was a graduate of Hutchison High School in Buffalo, N.Y. Jean relocated to Troy, where she was employed by the New York Telephone Co. (currently Verizon) and later retired as a building supervisor after 32 years of service. Although her main enjoyment throughout life was being with family, she was also a business agent for the Telephone Employee Union, superintendent of Sunday School for Liberty Presbyterian Church, head of the deacon board at Oakwood Presbyterian Church, head of a variety of church-related fundraising events and a member in the following organizations: Troy branch of the NAACP, Senior Citizen's Bowling Club, and the pastor's aide committee at Holy Serenity Church. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a son, Nurney A. Harrell Jr. and a grandson, Lee R. VanSlyke. Survivors include her four devoted daughters, Irene (Leonard) VanSlyke of Scotia, Ethel (Thomas) Hammett-Simon of East Greenbush, Deborah (John) Harrell-Davis of Conn., Dowell Harrell of Troy; loving sister of Florence and Cardel Williams of Buffalo, N.Y.; and cherished grandmother of eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Jean also leaves behind to cherish her memory, three brothers-in-law, several nieces and and nephews, a church family and a host of friends. A Homegoing celebration will be held Wednesday, September 24, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at the Holy Serenity Church of God in Christ, 131 Fifth Avenue, Troy, with the Reverend Cornelius Clark. Calling hours will be held from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the church, prior to the celebration. Interment will be held in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Serenity Church of God in Christ, 131 Fifth Avenue, Troy, NY 12180. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home Inc., 565 Fourth Avenue, Troy, NY 12182; (518) 235-0952.