FRANKLIN – Ruth Francis Thornell Harrell, 89 died peacefully Thursday September 16, 2010 at Southampton Memorial Hospital , She was born November 2, 1920 in Wilson County to the late Joseph Aaron Thornell and Rosa Lee Landen Thornell Winstead. She was preceded in the death by her husband J.C. Harrell, a child James Ray, her sister Mary Elizabeth Landen and her brothers Bennie, Harvey, EP, Joe, Grady and Wilton Thornell.

Survivors include three children and their spouses, Betty Faye Wall daughter and husband Gene, Joyce Burnette daughter and husband Steve, and a son, Steve and his wife Diann, by six grandchildren, Tracy Wall, Barry Wall, Justin Harrell, Joshua Burnette, Jordan Blake Ferrer Harrell and Hunter Ferrer Harrell and step grandson Stan Lewis. She is also survived by one sister in law, Lib Thornell, many nieces and nephews and well loved friends.

She lived in Wilson, NC until her retirement from Sandy McThrift Health and Beauty Aides where she then moved to Lake Gaston. At the time of her death she was living in Franklin, Va.

A life celebration will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday at Pineview Cemetery , 436 Pineview Street. The family will receive friends at Englewood Baptist Church , 1350 South Winstead Avenue , immediately following the service.

Flowers or memorials are appreciated and may be sent to your favorite charity.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to her wonderful caregiver, Vernell Faulcon.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC. You may share your memories and send condolences to the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.