Diane Lea Harrell

After stating, "I am ready to be with Jesus," Diane went to be with Him on February 23, 2024 with her sister at her bedside. She was of the daughter of Mark James (Jack) Harrell, Jr. and Florence Bryant Harrell and was born on Independence Day 1953.
A native of South Norfolk, she graduated from Oscar Smith High School, earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Old Dominion University in 1975, a Masters in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1978. She held several positions in education and also worked in youth ministry.
Diane became a computer programmer and worked for the Christian Broadcasting Network for more than 20 years.
In 2015, Diane was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She had a radical surgery that extended her life for almost nine years, but the surgery had side effects which limited her activities for the rest of her life.
Diane was a long-time active member of South Norfolk Baptist Church where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday school and Bible study classes, worked as church secretary and served on numerous committees. She was the first deaconess of the church and was responsible for finance and budget.
Diane is survived by her sister, Ann Prescott (Alan) and their children, Anisa Glowczak (Steve), Amy Lehman (Eric) and Alan, Jr. (fiancée Sharon); and their grandchildren, Aiden, Trey, Kyra and Callie. She is also survived by an Aunt, Georgia Clasing; a special niece, Shelly Prescott; and many cousins and her church family.
In need of extra medical care, Diane moved to Emily Green Shores Assisted Living Facility for the last few months of her life. Her family gratefully acknowledges the exceptional loving care she received from the staff until she passed. While Diane's sister sat vigil at her bedside, the staff treated her lovingly and made sure she had everything she needed.
The family is also very grateful to everyone from Trinity Hospice for their compassionate care of Diane, rapid response to needs and their expert advise and comforting counsel to Ann during the last few days.
The family will receive friends at Graham Funeral Home and Cremation Services on Thursday, February 29, 2024, from 6 to 8 pm. A graveside service officiated by Dr. Kyle Rader will be held at Rosewood Memorial Park at 1 pm on Friday, March 1, 2024, where she will be laid to rest beside her parents.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to South Norfolk Baptist Church or to a charity of your choice. Please visit grahamfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence to the family.