Lorraine Harrelson's Obituary
Services for Lorraine ?Rani: Ashwell Harrelson , 78, of Longview will be held 4 PM Monday, July 12th at the Rader Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dick Stagner officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. Mrs. Harrelson died Friday morning at a Longview Hospital.
She was born in Roanoke, Virginia, the daughter of Wilbur and Mavis Reed Ashwell on August 11, 1925. She grew up in Parkersburg, West Virginia where she graduated from high school in 1943. There she was a member of Masque and Gavel, Quill and Scroll, and the Student Council. She later attended Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas.
She met her husband, James Richard Harrelson, while she was working in the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He was an officer in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. They were Married December 28, 1946 and moved to Shreveport, Louisiana. They lived there until 1966 when they moved to Longview, Texas. He preceded her in death March 29, 1988.
Mrs. Harrelson had a varied career as a newspaper reporter, executive secretary, bank secretary and teller, bookkeeper, co-owner of a hobby shop, real estate broker, retailer, and co-owner of Jay Elle Refrigeration Services. She retired in 1994 and enjoyed her family and hobbies.
Mrs. Harrelson was a member of New Beginnings Baptist Church and Golden Gems Bible Study.
In 1944 she became a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and 50 years later in 1994, she and her good friend, Evelyn Willis, were honored with a beautiful candlelight ceremony for their 50th year with the sorority.
Mrs. Harrelson is survived by three sons and a daughter-in-law: Richard Craig Harrelson of Houston; Derek Tilden Harrelson of Longview; and Gregory James Harrelson and wife, Linda of Longview; a step-son, Dr. Ronald Eric Harrelson of Ridgeland, Mississippi; a sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Francis Head of Longview; a brother and sister-in-law, W. Lee Ashwell and Janice of Parkersburg, W Va; several grandchildren; one great granddaughter and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at Rader Funeral Home Sunday afternoon 5 to 7 PM.
Those desiring to do so may make memorial contributions to the Building Fund Projects at the New Beginnings Baptist Church, 600 George Richey Rd., Longview, TX 75604 or to a favorite charity.
A memorial guestbook may be signed at www.raderfh.com
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