AHOSKIE – Ms. Yvonne Harrell was born in Ahoskie, NC on July 24, 1937 to John David Harrell, Sr. and Blanche Slaughter Harrell, both of whom preceded her in death. She was the sixth of 17 children. Yvonne departed this life and entered eternal rest on April 29, 2016.

During her early life, she became a member of New Ahoskie Baptist Church. She was an honor graduate, finishing at the top of her class at Robert L. Vann High School, and a Cum Laude graduate North Carolina College (NCCU) – Durham, NC with a B.A. degree in English/Library Science in 1959. Yvonne earned her Masters of Library Service, (1971) and Certificate in Advanced Librarianship (1985) from Columbia University, New York, NY, and the Professional Diploma in Educational Administration and Supervision (1989) from Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY. She also completed the equivalence of the Masters in English and English-related courses. While in New York, Yvonne became a member of Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, and was a devoted reader of God’s Word, reading the entire Bible several times over her lifetime.

During the twenty-seven plus years of her professional career, she served as a teacher of English and Library Science at Robert L. Vann School, Ahoskie, NC; teaching assistant in English and Reference Librarian, Howard University, Washington, DC; and teacher of Library, John M. Coleman Intermediate School 271K, Brooklyn, NY. Her active participation in education earned her a place in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges (1959) and Who’s Who in Library and Information Services (1982). Yvonne loved to travel, including trips to England thirteen times. She also loved and was proud of her siblings, nieces and nephews.

She leaves to mourn her passing two sisters, Mrs. Blanche Gipson – Durham, NC, and Dr. Cynthia L. Harrell – Durham, NC; five brothers, Mr. Arthur L. Harrell, Sr. (Ethel) – Elmont, NY, Dr. Sampson E. Harrell (Lizzie), Mr. Julius L. Harrell, Sr. (Janie), Mr. Joseph A. Harrell, Sr. (Cheri), and Dr. Russell Harrell (Cynthia), all of Durham, NC; sisters-in-law, Mrs. Fannie Harrell – Durham, NC, Mrs. Rosie Harrell – Asheville, NC, and Mrs. Stella Harrell – Rockingham, NC; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 12:00 pm at New Ahoskie Missionary Baptist Church, 401 E Hayes St, Ahoskie, NC 27910.

Services are entrusted to Hunter’s Funeral Home of Ahoskie, NC.