Anita Louise Harrell

On May 19th,1956 in Indianapolis, Indiana, Anita Louise Harrell was the firstborn daughter to the late Love Wesley Harrell and Hannah Harrell (Payne). As a youth, Anita grew up in the Historic Flanner House Neighborhood, where she attended St. Bridget Catholic School for the elementary grades. Anita graduated from Lady Wood-St. Agnes High School with the proud class of 1974. A leader of her class, Anita helped to trailblaze Lady Wood’s first Black Student Union. There, she discovered an affinity for science and numbers that led to furthering her education at Indiana University, where she was a member of Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity and a Little Sister to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. Anita was a graduate of the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, class of 1978 with a degree in accounting.

Anita began her long-lasting career in the paper industry at Mead Corporation in Cincinnati, OH, later moving on to The International Paper Company. Anita’s career expanded when she joined Box USA in Chesapeake, VA, where she proudly worked as a financial controller and EEOC Internal Auditor. Along the way, Anita amassed a circle of dear friends that soon became family in each of her beloved cities of Raleigh—Durham, NC, Chicago, IL, Rochester, New York, and Virginia Beach, VA. In 2006, after eight years with Box USA, Anita transitioned to the Jewish Federation of Tidewater where she retired in 2011.

Anita accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior in 2000, joining Calvary Revival Church of Norfolk, VA. While a member, Anita actively served in the hospitality ministry as a part of the Care Group Member Lead Wellness Team. Combining her love of cooking with her love of her congregation, Anita prepared meals for those in need. After a stroke, Anita made the difficult decision to return to Indianapolis, IN. In 2012, she became a member of Crossroads Bible Church and quickly put her spiritual gifts to use by serving on the offering counting ministry team. Anita’s testimony was also her ministry when she served as a long-time volunteer accountant with Brookside Community Church and helped with a variety of additional ministries.

Anita was an avid sports fanatic, most notably her love for football and the Pittsburgh Steelers. A die-hard fan, Anita proudly cheered on her team every chance she got, with an admiration for the coaching staff and her favorite player Franco Harris. Anita was also an avid college basketball fan, rooting for her Alma Matter and the Big 10 every season. Outside of her passion for her favorite sports, Anita cherished reading, cooking, and organizing gatherings with her family and friends most recently playing a significant part in the 50-year reunion of her beloved Ladywood St. Agnes graduating class.

Anita was called home to be with the Lord on January 31st, 2025. In her homecoming, to cherish her memory, Anita leaves her sister, Lisa Harrell of Indianapolis, IN, and her niece, Hannah Norman of New York, NY, along with a host of dear friends, cousins, and extended family. They will all miss her beautiful smile, welcoming spirit, and commitment to sharing the love of Christ.

A visitation for Anita will be held Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Crown Hill Funeral Home, 700 W. 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208, followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:00 PM.