Ann Furr Harrell

Ann Furr Harrell entered into the outstretched arms of her Loving Father early Sunday morning, the Lord’s day, December 12, 2010. The angels are rejoicing at the arrival of this beautiful, grace-filled, faithful one. Ann was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Ann was born on December 27, 1934 to James Weldon Furr and Evelyn Gill Furr of Magnolia, Arkansas. She married the love of her life, Dayton Ronald (Ron) Harrell, also from Magnolia, on August 21, 1955. Ann and Ron moved to Houston with their three children in 1974. Ann and Ron shared a wonderful life together. Ann was, according to Ron, “the best wife a man could have ever wished for and my very best friend.” Together they created a loving family and lived a life that reflected their faith.

Ann is survived by her husband of 55 years, Ron Harrell; son, Perry Harrell, and wife, Karen; daughter, Laurie Noble, and husband, Scott; daughter Andrea Moore, and husband, Scott; and grandchildren, Elissa Boedeker, her husband, Philip and Mallory Harrell; Carson and Madison Noble; Emily Anne, Benjamin, Hannah, Samuel and Andrew Moore. In addition, she is survived by her brother, Jimmy Furr, and wife Dona; sister, Kay Waller, and husband, Sammie and her nieces and nephews, Wayne Furr, Vicki Callaway, Jamie Waller, Karen Jackson, and Katie Waller. She also leaves behind many dear church and family friends.

Guided by a simple faith, Ann lived an extraordinary life touching many people on her life’s journey. Affectionately known as “Grannie Annie,” Ann’s bright eyes, tender smile and warm hugs welcomed all in her path. Grannie Annie loved her grandchildren, and through her gifts of grace and determination modeled for them daily a life of gratitude and devotion. She modeled humility and generosity, not only for her children and grandchildren, but also for all of her “adopted” children whom she mentored and encouraged throughout her years. These adopted family members included store clerks, mail carriers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, children, pastors and a myriad of friends. Ann saw beauty in each face, in each smile, in each life. She also enjoyed visiting with the animals at their farm in Plantersville. Even the animals got cookies! Meeting Grannie Annie was like entering into a ray of sunshine. Her cookies, lemonade, lambs and lollipops always brought smiles and good cheer. Our lives are brighter because of her.

Ann and Ron were active members of several churches throughout the years, teaching Sunday School, delivering meals, preparing for celebrations, visiting the sick and sending birthday cards. Her calendar was filled with birthdays! Being a part of a community of faith remained an important part of Ann and Ron’s lives. Her church family, Memorial Drive Baptist Church, meant the world to her.

The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and other care givers who so lovingly and gently cared for Ann throughout these many years. Ann valiantly conquered breast cancer for thirty-one years with dignity, grace and gratitude. A special thank you is extended to Drs. Joel Abramowitz, Jeffrey Lee, and Jon Heine. Ann’s life was enriched and extended by these exceptional people who provided great care for her and loved her deeply. For this, we are forever grateful.

A family burial ceremony will take place at two o’clock on the 14th of December at Memorial Oaks Cemetary, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston TX 77079. The Memorial Service celebrating Ann’s life will be held at eleven o’clock, the 18th of December in the sanctuary of Memorial Drive Baptist Church, 325 North Piney Point, Houston TX 77024.

Remembrances may be sent to Memorial Drive Baptist Church or The Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative, 17 Bethea Drive, Ossining, New York 10562-1620.

To send a message to the family please feel free to visit the online guestbook at ……..

“Well done good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in little, now I will put you in charge of much. Enter into the joy of thy Master.” Matthew 25:23