Pearl Wood Harrell

Pearl Wood Harrell, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2018. Pearl was born March 15, 1933, in the city of South Norfolk, VA, the daughter of Sallie Culpepper Wood and Grover Peyton Wood. She graduated from South Norfolk High in 1951, and was predeceased by her sister, Lennie Wood Korner, and brother, Grover Eugene Wood. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 61 years, Gibson Ray Harrell, daughter, Pamela Utz, (Kenny), son, Dr. G. Gregg Harrell, (Julie), two grand-daughters, Ashley V. Utz and Lily Kate Harrell, two sisters, Shirley W. Whitehurst and Barbara W. Young, and numerous nieces and nephews. Pearl and Gibson rode to and from work together each weekday and worked in offices just around the corner from each other. Theirs was truly a marriage of love and dedication. Pearl retired from Ford Motor Company in 1991, where she worked as an executive secretary for over 25 years. Pearl was a member of First Baptist Church of Norfolk, and actively participated in its charitable endeavors. She was also a long-standing supporter of Operation Blessing. She loved their beach home in Corolla Light, incomparably named “Gib’s Pearl.� She enjoyed traveling, and taking cruises with her husband and friends, spending time with her family, and relying on her faith for her incredible fortitude. Beautiful on the inside and out, Pearl appreciated artistic expression, and was talented in ceramics, painting, decorating and floral arranging. She loved music and was a terrific dancer. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, the many facets of her life formed a gentle but strong ribbon, binding us all together. A funeral service will be held on October 15, at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 6329 E. Va. Beach Blvd., Norfolk. Visitation begins at 10:00am, and Services at 11:30am. Special appreciation goes out to the wonderful staff of the Special Care Unit at Cedar Manor in Chesapeake, and to Heartland Hospice. Online condolences may be offered at www.woodlawngroup.com