Maria Lilias Harrell

Maria Lilias Harrell, 92, of Asheville, NC and formerly of Albany, GA, died Saturday, October 9, 2010, at the Wood Assisted Living Center at Givens Estate in Asheville, NC. Miss Harrell was born in Butler, GA on April 18, 1918 and was a daughter of the late Rev. Dr. Luther Alonzo Harrell and Mary Quillian Harrell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Rev. Dr. William A. Harrell and Luther A. Harrell, Jr. and her sister Margaret Harrell Miller. As the daughter of a minister Maria's family moved often and she grew in communities of Georgia. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree as part of the 100th class of Wesleyan College in Macon, Ga. Maria went on to receive her master's degree in education from Appalachian State University, Boone, NC. Maria taught in public schools in Alabama for one year, returning to Georgia to support her mother after the death of her brother Luther. She taught in public schools in Albany, GA, teaching history and geography at Albany Junior High. Maria lived with her parents and took early retirement to care for her parents during their later years. Maria was a member of First United Methodist of Albany, GA.Left to cherish her memory are her nieces and nephews, Mary E. Harrell of St. Simon, GA, Ralph H. Miller and wife, Gail of Charlotte, NC, William "Bill" Harrell and wife, Karen of Allenhurst, GA, Marie M. Lowdermilk and husband, Gene of Morganton, NC, Sarah M. Nuttall and husband, Doug of Candler, NC, and Kathryn M. McIntyre and husband, Loring of Swannanoa, NC; great nieces and nephews, Emily L. Keathley and husband, Kenny of Morganton, Ellen Nuttall of Charlotte, Ben Nuttall of Chandler, Megan Schronce and husband, Jason of Durham, NC, and Rachel McItyre of Raleigh, NC; great-great nieces and nephew, Ella Grace and Nora Kate and Marshall Knox Keathley of Morganton.A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at Sunnyside Cemetery, Cordele, GA with the Rev. Dr. Donald Kea officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Carepartners Hospice and Palliative Care, P. O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813 or to Givens Estates, 100 Wesley Dr., Asheville, NC 28803.