Mary Ann Harrell

She was preceded in death by her sister, Margie Oosterwyk and brother, Richard H. Oosterwyk, Sr. 

Mary Ann grew up in Castle Hayne, NC attending Bethany Presbyterian Church with her parents. She loved growing up on her parent's bulb farm and living in the Dutch community of Castle Hayne, NC. She also enjoyed traveling around the US and abroad with her parents while growing up. She spent her childhood summers at Wrightsville Beach, NC with family, cousins and friends at their beach cottage.

Mary Ann graduated from New Hanover High School, class of 1955. She then attended Stratford College in Danville, Virginia graduating in 1957.  In 1958, she married Bobby Ray Harrell, Sr. at Bethany Presbyterian Church and they made their home in Wilmington, NC. They then attended and made Temple Baptist Church their church home and she has been a member there since. In 1980 Mary Ann obtained her CNA certification and then worked for Eldercare Homecare for 11 years. Prior to 2012, she with her brother and many others of the Dutch community collaborated with Charles W. Riesz, who wrote the book "Tar Heels in Wooden Shoes". He is the local author of the historical book about the local Dutch Community's history.  She was very proud to contribute to this work. Mary Ann loved her family and grandchildren. She enjoyed socializing, music, movies and much more. She was a loving, friendly, lively, quick witted, always positive and well-loved lady. We are so fortunate and blessed that she is our mother.

Mary Ann is survived by her four children, their spouses and grandchildren; Mary Jo Harrell; Deborah Harrell Roseman and husband Mark, four children Travis Allen and Alicia Allen Chase (Perry), Caroline and Catherine Roseman; Bobby Harrell Jr., two children Bobby Harrell III (Brooke) and Kyri Harrell; Hugh Harrell and wife Alyssa, three children Natalie, Meredith, and Evan Harrell.

Mary Ann is also survived by her nieces; Teresa “Terre” Oosterwyk-Fruh, Jennifer “Jenny” Oosterwyk, Jo Anne Harrelson, Melissa “Missy” Insco; nephews, Richard Oosterwyk, Jr., Brian Oosterwyk, Keith Moore, Brian Moore, Christopher “Chris” Moore, Leon Harrell III “Pat”, and Kevin Harrell. 

Funeral services will be held at 2pm, Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Temple Baptist Church by the Rev. Mark Gaskins. Interment will follow at Oakdale Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 pm Friday, January 13, 2023 at Andrews Mortuary Market Street.