FRANKLIN – Essie Mae Harrell, 94, of Country Club Road, Franklin, Virginia, passed away on Sept. 29, 2018, in the East Pavilion.

She was born in Southampton County, a daughter of the late Asa Beaton Joyner and Annie Scott Joyner, and was predeceased by one sister, Iris Elaine Joyner.

She attended Franklin High School and Mary Washington College, where she majored in business.

On June 12, 1948, she married V.B. “Spike” Harrell Jr. They were married for 62 years and enjoyed being together on their farm. Both Essie Mae and Spike were active in the Southampton County community and were active in their church and the Southampton County Historical Society. Spike died on Aug. 21, 2010.

Mrs. Harrell was a retired secretary of Hunterdale Elementary School.

She was a member of the Southampton Agricultural Museum and thoroughly enjoyed discussing the history of Southampton County.

She was a member of Franklin Congregational Christian Church and a former member of Hunterdale Christian Church, where she served as the church historian. Essie Mae enjoyed good fellowship, Southampton County history and her many friends.

Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Cindy Harrell Hunting and husband, Rich, and Nancy Harrell, all of Franklin.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Virginia Taylor and Evelyn Goodwyn, who were special companions to Essie Mae, and the staff at East Pavilion for their compassionate care for five years.

The graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 2, in Poplar Spring Cemetery with the Rev. James H. Hyatt Jr. and the Rev. James W. Browder III officiating.

Memorials may be made to Franklin Congregational Christian Church, 412 N. High St., Franklin; or the Southampton County Agricultural Museum, Attn: Linda Updike, 26315 Heritage Lane, Courtland, Virginia, 23837.

Wright Funeral Home is assisting the family.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.