Sophia Harrell

Dr. Sophia B. Harrell, 88, of Sudbury, MA, passed away on November 23, 2025. Born in Winston-Salem, NC, on September 27, 1937, to Rev. Earl E. Bailey and Clara (Fuller) Bailey, Sophia lived a life devoted to family, learning, and service. She shared 65 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Dr. Oscar W. Harrell II.

Sophia was a lifelong educator and a fervent advocate for nursing. She taught for approximately 35 years at Fitchburg State University, where she rose to Chair of the Department of Nursing. Her academic journey included earning a bachelor’s degree from Winston-Salem State College, master’s degrees from Boston University and Assumption College, and a doctorate from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She followed her doctorate by engaging in a post-doctoral fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University, Portland Oregon. She remained a life-long active member of her sorority Delta Sigma Theta. Her dedication to education shaped countless lives and careers.

Sophia’s notable accomplishments include the Institutional National Research Service Award from Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, the induction into the Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society, graduating Cum Laude from Winston-Salem State University and she was a member of the Board of Directors for Community Health Connections. She gave high level presentations to the Moscow Medical Academy in Moscow, Russia, the Novgorod Medical Institute in Novgorod, Russia, the Teachers of Medicine and Nursing in London, England, and other prestigious institutions across the US. She also taught in China. It is not possible to capture a complete list of her life’s works but, we can appreciate that her work touched a wide range of people across the globe.

Faith and family were at the heart of Sophia’s life. A devoted member of the Sudbury United Methodist Church since 1975, she sang in the choir, led Bible studies, and guided others on the Walk to Emmaus. She poured her love into raising her two sons and later embraced the joy of grandchildren and a great-grandson. Sophia and Oscar shared adventures across all 50 states and abroad, creating memories filled with laughter and discovery.

Sophia’s kindness extended beyond her family. She volunteered for several causes, led the Saxonville Floral Group, and touched everyone with her warmth and generosity.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister Clara Douglas, Father-in-law, and Mother-in-law Oscar W. Harrell Sr. (Bernice).

Sophia is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Dr. Oscar W. Harrell II; two sons Oscar W. Harrell III (Zulema) of Paducah, KY, and Stafford B. Harrell (Lynn) of Franklin, MA; six grandchildren Oscar Harrell IV (Cheyenne), Maxwell Harrell, Quenten Harrell, Samuel Harrell, Roman Harrell and Emilia Harrell; great grandson Julian Harrell; two sisters Martha Harrison of San Diego, CA and Gwen Coleman (Ronald) of Waldorf, MD; four nephews and three nieces Angela Garber, Andrea Hetheru, Tom Douglas (Amber), Timmy Douglas, Bryan Douglas (Amanda), Dominque Coleman and Rondolyn Coleman; she is also survived by many other beloved members of her extended family.

Visitation will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 10 AM to 12 PM at Duckett-J.S. Waterman & Sons, 656 Boston Post Road, Sudbury. A funeral service will follow at 1 PM at Sudbury United Methodist Church, 251 Old Sudbury Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sophia’s memory to an organization of your choice that supports the needs of pediatric care, nursing or the care of the elderly.