Dara Gwen Harrell

   Dara Gwen Harrell, 52, of 215 East Palmetto Street, Kill Devil Hills, NC, died Thursday, December 7, 2023 in her home.

   Dara was born in Hertford County on August 19, 1971. A graduate of Ridgecroft School in Ahoskie, she attended College of The Albemarle and Mitchell’s Academy in Greenville, obtaining her degree in Cosmetology. Later after working in private practice, she began a career in education, becoming the Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for Cosmetology at COA, where she worked for 25 years. She had planned to retire in February of 2024. In the announcement of her death made by COA President Jack Bagwell, he stated, “Dara played an instrumental role in shaping the lives and careers of countless cosmetology students during her tenure”.

   Surviving is her mother, Robin Hollowell, and brother, Patrick Harrell, both of Kill Devil Hills, and a niece, Sasha Harrell. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Robert P. Hollowell, Sr. and Willie Mae Spivey Hollowell, who were longtime residents of Sunbury.

   Also surviving is her father, J.E. Harrell (wife, Connie) of Gates. Many will remember her late paternal grandparents, Johnnie E. Harrell, Sr. and Helen Nixon Harrell, longtime residents of the Gates community.

   Dara also leaves behind her faithful canine companion of ten years, Willie.

   A memorial service will be held Thursday, December 14th, at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, and will be conducted by The Reverend Betsy Haas. Friends may visit with the family in the funeral home immediately following the service.

   In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Kill Devil Hills Fire Department Auxiliary, attention Pam Riddick, P.O. Box 1719, Kill Devil Hill, NC 27948.

   Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.millerfhc.com.