Mrs. Helen Harrell

March 2, 1935 - August 10, 2020

In Lieu of Flowers: Memorial donations in memory of Helen Peppers Harrell may be made payable to UNC Arts and Sciences Foundation with the Peppers Scholarship Fund annotated in the memo or the American Kidney Fund with In Memory of Helen Peppers Harrell in the memo mail to Sandra Harrell Cook, P.O. Box 37028, Raleigh, NC 27627. Helen Peppers Harrell was born on March 2nd, 1935 in Nash County, NC to the late Mary and Willis Peppers. She departed this life on Monday, August 10th, 2020 at 7:59 am surrounded by family at the home of her daughter in Clayton, NC. Helen was raised in Wilson, NC. She graduated from C. H. Darden High School. She went on to attend Winston Salem State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. At an early age, she knew she wanted to help shape the minds of young people. She accomplished that goal by serving as an Educator in Pitt-Greenville City Schools for more than 30 years where she taught and nurtured hundreds of students. On August 8th, 1957, she married her rock, the late Rodrick Thomas Harrell, Sr. They shared 46 years of marriage together. They were blessed with 3 children: Sandra, Rodrick, Jr., and Sheila. Helen was a devoted member of Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church (CMBC) for more than 62 years where she served as an Usher, Deaconess, Assistant Children’s Choir Director, Senior Citizens Committee member, and member of the Majestic Choir. She also chaired numerous activities for CMBC’s Senior Citizens. She once stated that one of her greatest accomplishments was becoming a CMBC Deaconess. She loved her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She accepted the call to action in 1974 as the first initiate into the Iota Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She dedicated 46 years of continuous service to all mankind. She was also a member of Links, Incorporated and a Senior Delight with the Ladies Delight #10, Order of the Eastern Star having over forty years of service. When she was not serving the community, she enjoyed hanging out with the Eppes Center Southside Senior Group, shopping, dancing, and spending time with her family, sorority sisters and friends. She also enjoyed playing Pinochle where she was member of the Pinochle Club, a group of educators with the same passion for the game. Not known by many, she had musical talent and learned to play the organ, piano, electric keyboard and clarinet. Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Rodrick Thomas Harrell, Sr.; her parents, Mary and Willie Peppers; two brothers, Willis Peppers, Wallace Peppers; one sister, Sarah Margaret Nicholson. Helen leaves to cherish her memories, her 3 children, Sandra Cook (Steve) of Clayton, NC, Rodrick Harrell, Jr. (Linda) of Charlotte NC, Sheila Richmond (James) of Durham NC; four grandchildren, Chloe Elyse Richmond, Tyler James Richmond, Camryn Nicole Harrell, Rodrick Thomas Harrell, III; 2 sisters, Martha Alston (Clyde) of Newport News, VA, Wanda Jones of Wilson, NC. 3 Nieces: Tara Peppers Newkirk, Kim Peppers, Dominique Jones; 3 nephews, Joseph Bynum, Reggie Alston (Charisse), Kevin (Pam); 8 great nieces and nephews; a special sister, Gloria Hines (Wiley); her caregiver, Pereta Sewellyn and many other family members and life- long friends.