Mavis Jane Harrell passed from this life to be with Jesus her Lord on January 22, 2019. She leaves behind her loving and faithful husband, CMSGT Bob Harrell (USAF, Retired), and her three children - Rob and his wife, Kathy; Pam and her husband, Mike; and Brian and his wife, Kathy. She also leaves seven grandchildren – Stephen and his wife, Laure; Kylie and her husband, Chris; Janelle; Alissa; Jonathan and his wife, Allyson; Colin; and Brooke. She also leaves behind her sisters, Kitty, Inez, and Diane, and now enjoys fellowship with her sister Ramona in Heaven.
Born and raised and married in North Carolina, and after living in Texas, Alaska, and Florida, Mavis and her husband Bob and their three young children, moved to Hill AFB, Utah in 1967, and resided in Clearfield, Utah until their relocation to Colorado Springs, CO in 2012 to be near their children, Pam and Brian, and their families.
When we remember Mavis, these are some of the words that come to mind: Determined Leader, Tireless Servant, Faithful Wife, Loving Mother and Grandmother, Wise and Generous Sister, Courageous Overcomer, Hospitality Queen!
Mavis’ love of music and heart for Jesus compelled her to serve as the Hill AFB Chapel Choir Director for both the Catholic and Protestant congregations for almost 40 years. She loved to sing and especially treasured leading people to worship God. Even after her words were few, she could still sing sacred hymns and songs that were deeply embedded in her soul.
In the work world, she served others as a Medical Assistant for many years. Her love for people as the objects of God’s affection, inspired her to engage with people in a loving and compassionate way.
Without a doubt, one of the greatest memories most of us will have of Mavis is how she opened her home to others – especially to young men and women serving in the military – who needed a “home away from home.” Hospitality Queen, indeed – but not for herself, but for others!
As a wife to her husband, Bob, for almost 66 years, she was faithful to maintain the “home front” while he served his country in Korea, Vietnam, and other foreign lands. She could be counted on to care for her children’s needs, manage the family finances, and parent alone. Although she never officially served in the military, she indeed served the military, by empowering Bob to focus on his calling as a soldier.
As a Mom and Grandmother, Mavis did her best to provide a loving environment for her family, even though her own upbringing had many unique challenges. Instead of focusing on past difficulties, she chose a better future – a future that blessed her own children and grandchildren. The last full sentence she was able to express at the end of her life was “I love you.” And she did. And we love her too.
A small memorial service to honor Mavis will be held on Friday morning, 9:00, January 25, at Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs. For more information, visit www.swan-law.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a generous donation to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.
Special thanks to Mavis’ loving daughter, Pam, for her sacrificial and tireless care for almost a decade. Only God knows the extent of your grace. And thanks to caregiver Pat Everett – who has become family. You are both greatly loved!
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