Donald George Harwell

Rev. Donald Harwell, 79, of Brunswick, GA, entered eternal rest with His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Thursday, December 15, 2011 at SGHS Brunswick Campus. Funeral services will be held 12 noon Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at Christian Renewal Church, with Rev. Bill Ligon officiating. Interment will be at 1PM Wednesday, December 21, 2011 in Jacksonville National Cemetery. Donald Harwell, Jr., Manuel Seales, Jason Smart, Christopher Gladden, Ryan Gladden, and Tyler Gladden will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Michael Howell, Dr. Ben Gladden, and Donavan Harwell.

Born March 7, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois to the late John Wesley and Leola Hardman Harwell, he was a US Air Force Veteran serving in the Korean Conflict. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer technology from Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL then later earned a Master of Theology from Trinity Divinity School, Chicago, IL. He became an astute student of the Bible. Rev. Harwell founded the first Head Start program in the State of Illinois. After a life in politics in the 60’s as a councilman in Maywood, IL fighting for racial justice Rev. Harwell felt a call to ministry. Although busy working as an IBM executive Rev. Harwell followed that call and became a Pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He and his wife Edwina founded DuPage AME Church in Wheaton, IL. After leading the charge at that ministry he moved to Pontiac MI where he Pastored Newman Chapel. While in Pontiac Rev. Harwell founded Quality Affordable Housing, a subdivision for low income seniors created through a million dollar grant authored by him. Rev. Harwell then led the charge at St. Paul AME Church in Glencoe, IL where his heart for justice and the underserved continued. National attention by media and political figures was gained when Rev. Harwell fought the injustices of racial profiling along the wealthy North Shore of Chicago with documented proof of mistreatment of minorities by law enforcement. As a result of his fight, new legislation was enacted and internal changes were implemented to make living peaceful and safe for all in that region. In 2007 Rev. Harwell retired to Brunswick, GA with his wife where he continued his fight for justice working at his daughter’s nonprofit financial counseling center assisting in the prevention of foreclosures for hundreds challenged by the current turbulent financial market. There he also enjoyed family (including his sister Yvonne Chambers owner of Willees Weenee Wagon) and friends. The church he founded in Wheaton, IL is now a mega church with thousands of members. A tribute was held on his behalf there Sunday. Rev. Harwell was a member of Christian Renewal Church in Brunswick. Many ministers hold him in high esteem as does his family. As a devoted husband, Father and Grandfather he blessed his family and friends with his Godly wisdom, integrity and strong moral character mixed with a sharp wit and a wonderful sense of humor enjoyed by all. Rev. Harwell was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by his family and many friends who will cherish his memory and the legacy he has left for them.

Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Edwina S. Harwell, of Brunswick, a son, Donald G. Harwell, Jr., of Brunswick, five daughters, Jacqueline Gayle Harwell Lang, Donna Lynne Harwell Howell, Sharon Lee Harwell Seales, Carol Sandra Harwell Gladden, and Millicent Jean Harwell, 16 Grandchildren, two of whom reside locally, Donavan Harwell, and Dominique Sellers, 8 great grandchildren, a sister, Yvonne Chambers, of Brunswick, and a brother, Preston Harwell, of Chicago.

The family will receive friends Monday, December 19, 2011 from 6PM until 8PM at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home. www.edomillerandsons.com

An additional memorial service will be held at 1PM Saturday, January 28, 2012 at DuPage AME Church, 4300 Yackley Avenue, Lisle, IL 60532. www.DuPageAMEC.org