BURGAW — Barbara Alabaster Harrell, 80, went peacefully to be with her Lord Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018.
She was born in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of the late Theodore Horace Alabaster and Fernliegh Busse Alabaster. Also remembered is her husband, Raymond C. Harrell, who preceded her in death in July 2008.
Barbara retired from Walmart Pharmacy (Monkey Junction) where she always kept everyone in order and was always known for her smile, hugs and willingness to help. She was an avid reader and is known for her extensive collection of hardback books. She loved to cross-stitch and was a proud owner of a share of stock in her beloved Green Bay Packers.
Barbara was a past Worthy Matron, Grand Ruth and District Deputy in the Order of the Eastern Star and was a member of the Ajeb Temple No. 156 Daughters of the Nile.
Surviving are her three children, Ray Harrell, and his wife, Mary, of Kewaunee, Wis., June Harrell of the home and Judith (Harrell) Campbell of Burgaw, N.C.; grandsons, Brandon Harrell, Adam Harrell (Kim) and Nathan Jackson (Alisia); granddaughters, Renee Harrell (Ben), Mariah Jackson (Kaji), Christina Jackson (Gary) and Ashley Veglahn; great-grandchildren, Dane R.C. and Bennett Harrell, Jayla and Amira Jackson, Grace Jackson, Archer Harrell, Carter Raymond Jackson-Caldwell, Macie, Kennady, Raleigh and Cambree Veglahn.
She is also survived by her brothers, Theodore H. (Butch) Alabaster (Margie), Michael G. Alabaster; several beloved sisters and brothers-in-law, many nieces, nephews and a host of extended family she loved as her own.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 23, at Myrtle Grove Baptist Church, 5524 Myrtle Grove Road, with the Rev. Paul Waters officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service in Oleander Memorial Gardens.
The family wishes to give special thanks to Community Hospice, and in particular, her caregiver, Mazie, Lower Cape Fear Hospice and the staff at NHRMC.
Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, P.O. Drawer 490, New Bern, NC 28560; or to Wisconsin Masonic Home, 375 State Road 67, Dousman, WI 53118.
Share online condolences with the family at andrewsmortuary.com.