Helen Nixon Harrell

Helen Nixon Harrell, 93, of 137 Johnny Harrell Road, Gates, NC, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2015 in Lake Prince Woods, Suffolk, VA. Mrs. Harrell was born on April 14, 1922 in Chowan County, and was the last surviving of ten children born to the late Robert Watson and Dixie Bunch Nixon. In earlier years, prior to marriage, she worked as a clerk in Rose's Department Store in Edenton, and as a child was raised in the fellowship of Rocky Hock Baptist Church. Later, a homemaker, wife, and mother, she was a faithful member of Reynoldson Baptist Church in Gates where she and her husband raised their family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Johnnie Everett Harrell, Sr.; her sisters, Lucy Nixon, Cora Bunch, Lizzie Peele, Willietta Whiteman, Bessie Bunch, Essie Harrell, Annie Mary Harrell, and Hettie Byrum; and by her brother, Robert Nixon. Surviving are her daughter, Joyce H. Barclift and husband Al of Nixonton; two sons, Norman L. Harrell, Sr. and wife Dianne of Gatesville and Johnnie E. "J.E." Harrell, Jr. and wife Connie of Gates; six grandchildren, Dara Harrell, Patrick Harrell, Bryan Barclift and wife Tanya, Michael Barclift and wife Jennifer, Norman Lee Harrell, Jr. and wife Christy, and Elizabeth Nicole Watkins and husband Gary; and nine great-grandchildren, Colin, Cayden, Ethan, Lucas, Ian, Sandy, Courtney, Rachel, and Kyle; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. in Reynoldson Baptist Church by Pastor Cody Brinkley. Burial will follow at 4:00 p.m. in Beaver Hill Cemetery, Edenton. Friends may join the family in Miller Funeral Home, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, immediately following the graveside rites, and all other times at J.E. and Connie's home, 139 Johnny Harrell Road, Gates. Flowers are welcomed, or contributions in her memory may be made to either Reynoldson Baptist Church or to Gideons International. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.