Alma Kay Harrell Futrell

MURFREESBORO, NC - Alma Kay Harrell Futrell, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025, at the age of 83, at ECU Health Center in Greenville, North Carolina after a brief illness.
Born on November 28, 1941, to Stanley Albert Harrell and Carew Jernigan Harrell in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, she spent her early years on the family farm in Lewiston, where she developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for nature.
A graduate of West Bertie High School in Lewiston, Alma excelled academically, graduating as Valedictorian of her class in 1959. She went on to pursue a career in nursing, dedicating her life to serving others as a Registered Nurse. Her compassionate care touched countless lives during her tenure in the Emergency Department and on the 2nd Floor at ECU Health Center – Roanoke-Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie, North Carolina (formerly Roanoke-Chowan Hospital), and later at Autumn Care Nursing Home in Rich Square, North Carolina.
Alma's life was a testament to strength, humility, and kindness. Known affectionately as "Nana" to all who knew her, she was the foundation of her family, keeping everyone together with her unwavering support and love. Her granddaughter Kristin beautifully captured her essence, saying, "She was the very definition of love and compassion, wrapping her family in her strength and grace every day. She was the strongest woman I have ever known, and her hugs could heal anything."
Alma's passions extended beyond her family and work. She loved fishing and camping, especially at Rodanthe, North Carolina, and had a zest for travel that took her on many adventures. An avid fan of Elvis, she cherished the memory of seeing him perform as a teenager. Later, she shared the experience with her children by taking them to see Elvis in concert. Her garden was a vibrant testament to her love for flowers, particularly her cherished rose bushes. Alma also had a special place in her heart for animals, always advocating for their well-being.
While her children were growing up, she was an active member of Ashley's Grove Baptist Church in Conway, North Carolina, and served as a Sunday School teacher for pre-k classes and was a leader in Vacation Bible School, sharing her faith and nurturing spirit with the community.
Alma was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley Albert Harrell and Carew Jernigan Harrell; the father of her children, Roy Chestine Futrell, Sr.; her son, Roy Chestine Futrell, Jr.; her grandson, Cameron Futrell; and her sister, Curtis Ann Harrell.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Tina Kay Futrell Ashley, and Terry Lynn Futrell of Murfreesboro, North Carolina; and her sister, Diane Peele of Colerain, NC. She will also be remembered fondly by her grandchildren, Kristin Futrell and husband Justin of Murfreesboro, NC, 1st Lt. Michael McCrae Ashley, stationed in South Korea, Lindsey Ferguson and husband Tyler of Conway, NC, Kasey Campbell of Milford, DE, MSgt. Matthew Campbell and wife Kelly of Fairfield, PA, Brandon Futrell and his fiancé Heather of McCordsville, IN; her great-grandchildren Reid, Lexi, Ella, Audrey, Cooper, Quinn, Leo, Maddox, Leilani, Lennox; Rilynn (and her mother Alyica Carter); her daughter-in-law Terry Jo Campbell Futrell of Smyrna, DE; and her great-great-grandson Shiloh. Alma Kay also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will deeply miss her.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service ~ Ahoskie Chapel, followed by a visitation at the same location.
Memorials may be made directly to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or online by clicking here; or directly to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online by clicking here, or online at tmcfunding.com/search and type Alma Futrell
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service - Ahoskie Chapel, 205 NC Hwy 42 West PO Box 908 Ahoskie, NC 27910, (252) 332-3122 is honored to be assisting the Futrell family during this time. Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting garrettsykesfs.com.
Alma Kay Harrell Futrell will be remembered for her boundless love, her indomitable spirit, and her enduring legacy of compassion and strength. She leaves behind a family that will forever cherish her memory and strive to honor her example. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alma Kay Harrell Futrell, please visit our floral store.To make a memorial donation, please visit the donations section of this obituary.