LaVerne Belch Harrell

   LaVerne Belch Harrell, 89, of Rocky Hock Road, Edenton, NC, passed away on Saturday, June 11, 2016 in Vidant Medical Center, Greenville.

    Mrs. Harrell was born in Bertie County on September 4, 1926, and was one of thirteen children born to the late Raleigh Ava and Elizabeth “Bessie” Jernigan Belch. A homemaker, she was a member of Rocky Hock Baptist Church.

    In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death an infant daughter, Patricia; and infant great-grandson, Eric; by sisters, Elizabeth, Johnnie Mae, Noellen, Vernell, Doris, Helen, and an infant; and by brothers, Luther, Ava Ray, Lewis, and Franklin.

    Surviving are her husband of 66 years, Melvin Isaac Harrell; two daughters, Debra Kay Spruill and husband David, and Becky Evans and husband Carroll, Jr., all of Edenton; a sister, Florence Farmer of Lewiston; four grandchildren, Jason Spruill and wife Cynthia, Rev. LeAnne Ryan and husband Scott, Bonnie Bond and husband Clark, and Ben Evans and wife Lindsey; and eight great-grandchildren, Liza, Jacob, and Cora Bond, Mason and Graham Evans, Evelyn and Jessica Spruill, and Asher Ryan.

    Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in Rocky Hock Baptist Church and will be officiated by Dr. James Horton. A private burial will follow in Beaver Hill Cemetery. Friends may join the family in the vestibule of the church immediately following the service, and all other times at Becky and Carroll Jr.’s home, 402 Evans-Bass Road, Edenton.

    Flowers are welcomed, or contributions may be made to any chapter of the American Cancer Society, (www.cancer.org), or to the building fund of Rocky Hock Baptist Church, 113 Rocky Hock Church Road, Edenton, NC  27932.

    Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, is assisting the family with arrangements, and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.