Betty Jane Harrell

Betty Jane Harrell, or more lovingly known as Momma, Nannie, Sis, or Aunt Betty, was born into Heaven on July 11, 2025. Can you imagine the reunion that was celebrated up there? Wow, her momma and daddy, her three brothers, her beloved husband, Yvonne and Joshua and many others! More importantly, her Savior met her first with His arms open wide and we know for certain that He said, “well done thy good and faithful servant.”

There are so many incredibly wonderful traits that Betty had. Can I just continue to refer to her as “Nannie” as I’m writing this? So Nannie, she was first and foremost a lady of elegance and grace. She was ALWAYS on the side of the underdog or outcast. She was always the first to model the act of tolerance and acceptance. She may not have agreed with you but she most certainly accepted you for who you are. I can assure you that Nannie didn’t know a stranger and once she knew you for a minute, you were considered family from that moment forward. She loved big and perfectly. She was gentle and oh how we will all miss hearing her say, “Hey Darlin!” She was our very own Mary Poppins….practically perfect in every way. Most certainly there was always a song in her heart as well. I smile as I remember hearing her voice singing and talking to her plants, saying, “come on babies….do your thing.” Her songs and her sweet words of encouragement were endless and always put a smile on our face.

The memories that she built with each member of her family will be remembered forever in our hearts and minds. Without a doubt, there has never and will never be another Betty Harrell. Kindness, gentleness, grace, and always a word of encouragement and love is what we will all remember. She taught her daughters and granddaughters to be ladies and what that looked like. She taught her sons and grandsons to be kind and courteous to others. She taught us all the importance of family and what it means to love like Jesus.

Nannie, you will be missed. Our world will never be the same without you. As one has already said, “She was the kindest, sweetest person, and her greatest pride was her family. She was open-hearted, generous, and full of love. She made our world softer and kinder, and we will carry her with us always.” I believe that sums her up pretty well. Don’t you?

As a family, we want to say “thank you” to each of you who will come to remember sweet Nannie with us on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 11:00 a.m at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home in Mandarin. It is our prayer that during this celebration of her life, we will hear from many of you, your fondest memories of her. We would love to hear what she meant to you and how her love made your world a kinder and softer place to be in.

Surely, her life is a reflection of the Virtuous Woman found in Proverbs 31:10. We will love you forever beautiful Nannie.

A a memorial service for Betty will be held Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM.