Deedee was born September 20, 1934, in Bowling Green, KY. Her parents were Susan Irene (Hendricks) and Harold William Heaton. She graduated from Russellville High School in 1952 and attended David Lipscombe College.
Deedee is survived by four children: Mildred Harrell Harris of Woodbridge, VA, David Edwin Harrell, III of Tampa, FL, Elizabeth Harrell Roberts (Russ) of Ponte Vedra, FL, and Marilyn Lee Harrell Carter (Tony) of Wiesbaden, Germany, 8 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. Adelia was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, David Edwin Harrell, Jr., two sons John Stephen Harrell and Harold Robert Harrell and one great granddaughter, Anna Fairfax Roberts.
A baptized believer from the age of 12, Deedee was a member of the church of Christ throughout her life and was a tireless servant in the kingdom alongside her husband at congregations throughout the United States and across the world. In her married life, Deedee mothered five children while living in Nashville, TN, Deland, FL, Johnson City, TN, Norman, OK, Athens, GA, Birmingham, AL, Fayetteville, AR, Auburn, AL and Collegeville, MN. As her husband worked at various universities, Deedee supported and encouraged his work as a true helpmeet. The Harrells worked tirelessly for the Lord wherever they were, encouraging and supporting local works and often meeting in their own home. Deedee hosted overnight guests from around the world in her home throughout her married life and welcomed college and high school students freely. Deedee estimated that one year she had company staying in her home 42 weekends. She served as a mentor and role model for young women in many locations.
The culmination of the Harrell’s spiritual work came in India, where they lived and worked in Allahabad and Hyderabad. Deedee, and her husband Ed, spent a total of three years in India with his secular work. However, they considered their service to God the most important element of this opportunity and continued to make trips to India to visit their brothers and sisters through 2019.
After Ed’s retirement to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, Deedee remained an active member of the South Jacksonville and Cypress Grove churches of Christ. Deedee’s influence continues to be felt throughout the Lord’s kingdom at numerous congregations worldwide.
A visitation for Deedee will be held Friday, November 17, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 SAN JOSE BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207. A funeral service will occur Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 10:00 AM, 4801 SAN JOSE BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207. A committal service will occur Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Mandarin Cemetery, Duval Co, Jacksonville, FL 32223.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Florida College, 119 N. Glen Arven Ave, Temple Terrace, 33617. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oaklawn-funeral.com for the Harrell family.
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