AHOSKIE, NC – Burnell Harrell McKeel, age 89, passed away on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at the Accordius Health at Creekside Care of Ahoskie, NC.

Burnell was born on November 24, 1928 to Joseph Cephus and Velna Rawls Harrell in Hertford County, NC. Burnell married Wallace McKeel, Sr. in 1947 and together they established McKeels Jewelry in 1950. They spent a life of happiness together, taking every opportunity they could ballroom dancing together. She enjoyed cooking for her family, however she loved going out to eat as much as possible.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of seventy-one years, Wallace Overton McKeel, Sr.; a sister, Vivian Harrington; and two brothers, Clemon Harrell and Joseph Edward “Eddie” Harrell.

Burnell is survived by her two sons, Wallace Overton McKeel, Jr. and wife Christine of Ahoskie, NC, and Robbin Keith McKeel and wife Lydia of Hampstead, NC; two grandchildren, Taylor McKeel of Knoxville, TN and Trevor McKeel of Hampstead, NC; a step-grandson, Lawson Marsh of Ahoskie; a sister, Inez Harrell Bracy of Hillsborough, NC; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at 11:00 am at Highland Memorial Gardens, Ahoskie, NC, with Reverend Anita Thompson, officiating.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the McKeel family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.