Jerry Dell Harrell

Jerry Dell Thomas Harrell

June 14, 1941 – January 10, 2025

Portland, Oregon

Jerry Dell Thomas Harrell, 83, passed on January 10, 2025, due to complications of a broken hip and dementia, surrounded by family.

Born June 14, 1941, at Woodbury Hospital to the late Ellis O'Dell Thomas and Mable Bowen Thomas, Dell grew up in Bradyville. Known as Jerry Dell, she forged lifelong friendships at Bradyville School, being taught by Miss Ora Todd and her aunt, Bessie Miller. Her childhood brimmed with fond memories—especially with Cousin Ann (now Rita Grisham), with whom she dressed up as “Dell and Rita”, their chosen names, which they assumed in junior high. Her little brother Russell, born 11 years later, quietly affirmed her role as a devoted big sister.

Dell’s strong work ethic came from her parents. Ellis worked tirelessly in trucking and farming; Mable, often with Dell by her side, drove a school bus and later managed the household. Dell gave her best in school, in helping others, and at work, embodying hard work and dedication from an early age. Her nurturing spirit shone at home as she strove to be the best big sister to Russell, offering him guidance and unwavering support.

As valedictorian of Woodbury High School, Dell enrolled at Middle Tennessee State College (MTSC) in 1959. Though she and Charlie knew each other, it was at MTSC that he asked her out. On a double date with friends Joe and Juanita Nichols, they saw It Started with a Kiss at the Tennessee Theater in Nashville—a kiss that sparked a lasting bond. They married on September 2, 1960, and Dell began work at State Farm Insurance.

At MTSC, Charlie advanced in student government, becoming the first married Associated Student Body President in his senior year. Dell recalled, “We had lots of friends and attended all student functions. We were quite poor but never had more fun.” Their bond deepened, launching a shared adventure through college, marriage, and beyond.

When Charlie’s career led the family across the Northeastern United States, Dell excelled professionally, rising to become the valued secretary for the Vice President of the Employee Benefits Department at Johnson & Higgins—the world’s second-largest insurance brokerage firm at the time. Though she joked about being a “secretary,” she managed key responsibilities as an executive assistant.

Regardless of where they lived, Dell and Charlie made every move an adventure, visiting Washington, D.C., Valley Forge, Amish Country, Philadelphia, the Jersey Shore, and New York City. They even saw a Broadway play starring Vivien Leigh. Dell recalled, “We felt so lucky to have this chance of a lifetime, yet we grew more homesick no matter how many friends we made or how much we enjoyed our jobs. We always rushed back to Tennessee.”

In 1967, the couple settled in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Melissa was born on June 3, 1968. Dell embraced her role as a stay-at-home wife and mother amid momentous events—the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy, the Vietnam War, and the historic moon landing. By summer 1970, they returned to Tennessee, settling in Murfreesboro. Dell re-enrolled at MTSC to complete her degree, and Mark was born on October 13, 1971.

At the end of 1971, Charlie and Dell purchased Marshall Duggin’s insurance agency and moved to Woodbury—a decision Dell struggled with as that meant leaving their custom-built Murfreesboro home. The next year, they partnered with Cap McCrary, and in 1974, bought the College Street house from Dr. and Mrs. VanBlaricum. Dell’s Aunt Bessie owned that house as Dell grew up and it held cherished memories. They kept it for 48 years, and Dell said she loved it more each year. She made the kitchen the heart of their home with home-cooked meals, laughter, and heartfelt conversations around the oak table shared with friends, family, and neighbors.

With both children in school, Dell shifted from stay-at-home mother to managing the office and accounting at McCrary-Harrell Insurance Agency. Though she never officially “returned to college,” she continued studies at MTSU, exploring subjects—especially art—that ignited her passion, and she developed a lifelong love of Georgia O’Keeffe and Andrew Wyeth (with Christina’s World a favorite). She earned several professional credentials at Motlow Community College and often recalled those years working alongside Charlie as among the happiest of her life.

Dell found a home at the Cannon County Arts Center, where she acted in several plays. She enjoyed performing with Charlie and her children, as well as watching the family perform. She and Charlie spent many happy hours driving the Cannon County High School Forensics Drama and Speech team to state tournaments, as both children participated. The family also relished boating on Center Hill Lake, creating lasting memories.

In 1984, the family sold the insurance agency, and Dell joined her brother’s law office as office manager, bookkeeper, legal assistant, and “girl Friday,” as she humorously called herself. Fifteen years later, she ended her career as a litigation specialist alongside her son Mark at Medical Reimbursements of America.

Retiring in 2008, Dell embraced the role of Nana to Ethan and Gehrig with joy. She volunteered at Adams Memorial Library and supported the Friends of the Library. Dell and Charlie also researched their genealogy, traveling across North Carolina and beyond to uncover their family history.

In August 2022, Dell and Charlie embarked on their final adventure by moving to Oregon to be nearer their children and grandchildren. Mark joined them, and she spent her last years surrounded by love.

Dell’s life exemplified service—to her church, the Cannon County Arts Center, volunteer work, and countless small acts of kindness. She often said her greatest accomplishment was being a devoted wife and mother, considering her family her most precious asset, nurtured with boundless love.

Dell is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, Charlie Harrell (Cannon County); children Melissa Harrell Frey and Mark Harrell (originally of Woodbury, Tennessee); son-in-law Christopher Frey (originally of Nashville, Tennessee); and grandchildren Ethan Schaltegger and Gehrig Frey (originally of Murfreesboro, Tennessee) with the family now residing in Portland, Oregon, and Gehrig studying abroad in Toshima City, Tokyo, Japan. She also leaves behind her brother and sister-in-law, D. Russell and Jean Marie Thomas (Murfreesboro, Tennessee), along with extended family and dear friends at the Bradyville Church of Christ, Woodbury Church of Christ, and communities in Woodbury, Murfreesboro, Nashville, and beyond.

A memorial visitation will be held Wednesday, May 21, 2025 from 6:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. at Woodbury Funeral Home.  A Celebration of Life Gathering will begin at 2:00 P.M. with services to follow at 2:30 P.M. at the Bradyville Church of Christ , officiated by Bro. Herb Alsup and Bro. Charlie Gunter. Dell’s final resting place will be Thyatira Cemetery, alongside her ancestors. In her honor, her family requests memorial donations to the Friends of the Library, Adams Memorial Library, or the Cannon County Arts Center.

Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or www.woodburyfuneralhome.net

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