Ellen Wynn Harrell

HERTFORD, NC - Ellen Wynn Harrell passed away peacefully March 14, 2026 with her loving daughter, Jacki, by her side. She was 90 years old. There will be a memorial service in her honor at St. John Baptist Church at 3pm on Friday, March 20, 2026.

Ellen was born in Martin County on April 16, 1935 to Henry Leamon Wynn and Lillie Vick Wynn. She graduated from Ahoskie High School and then most of her life was spent in St. John, NC.

At the age of 12 she gave her heart to her heavenly Father and, as an adult, became very active in her church. She was a Sunday school teacher for several years and the GA leader for many years and enjoyed working with all the young girls. She was also the Director of the Christmas Program for at least 10 years. She was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the President of that organization for 2 years.

Ellen loved her home, her yard, and her family. She took pride in her children's lives. She loved nature and her yard. She was always planting new things and often said "I do the planting and God does the growing." She so cherished her only grandchild, Aimee Allee.

In 1999 she and her beloved husband, Garland moved to Hertford to enjoy a life on the Perquiman's river fishing. They joined Burgess Baptist Church in 2004. Garland passed in 2005 and was a great husband for nearly 52 years.

In 2008 she married Reuben E. Harrell whom she had dated when she was 17 years old. They met again in Windsor at a dance, fell in love and married. She always said she was doubly blessed with 2 wonderful husbands and gave God all the credit.

She is predeceased by both husbands, and her beautiful first-born daughter, Debra Harrell Racine.

Left to cherish her memories are her daughter, Jacqueline (Jacki) Harrell, her son, Garland Scott Harrell, her sister-in-law Oneida Newell, who was the sister she never had, her granddaughter, Aimee Allee, her great-grandsons, Levi Shannon and Gabriel Hutt. The last three years she spent in Jacki's tender loving care. Her extended family, those who have passed and those who are still with us, are too numerous to name but she loved each and every one of them.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.garrettsykesfs.com. Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service in Ahoskie, NC is assisting the Harrell family with cremation.