Debra Ann Harrell, affectionately known as Debbi, passed away on August 17, 2024, surrounded by her family at her home in Dublin, Virginia.
Debbi loved sunflowers. With their simple yet striking presence, they remind us of the importance of turning toward the light, just as our souls are called to turn toward the light of God’s love. The Lord picked the most beautiful sunflower and took it home to His mighty garden.
Debbi dedicated her life to loving and helping others in her community because she knew what it was like to struggle. As a single mother who went to college and worked multiple jobs to make ends meet, she understood that everyone needed a helping hand. After being the first in her family to graduate from college, she was determined to make a difference with her social work degree. She parlayed her internship into a full-time career that lasted over a decade as a case manager for at-risk youth and adult offenders in Pulaski County. She then became the director of Pulaski Daily Bread, providing food to those in need for over 20 years. She was passionate about helping her community and felt it was a calling, not a job. She loved working with the program’s volunteers, whom she called her “heroes,” and made so many lasting friendships along the way. The Southwest Times Civic Honors Award was presented to Debbi in 2012 for her tireless dedication as a volunteer with Pulaski Daily Bread.
You can’t remember Debbi without mentioning what a great mother she was. She was a selfless, strong, and loving mother. She and Nicole were best friends and inseparable. They enjoyed coffee, watching HGTV, cooking Food Network recipes, and vacationing at the beach every chance they got. Debbi loved helping plan Nicole and Angel’s wedding in 2022 and was excited to introduce people to her son, Angel, whom she loved so much.
Debra’s father Everett Harrell, mother Lois Harrell and brother Ricky Harrell predeceased her. She is survived by her beloved daughter Nicole Medina Renteria (Harrell), son-in-law Angel Medina Renteria, brother Gary Harrell, sister-in-law Patty Simmons Harrell, nephews, best friends and adopted sisters Tamie Hall and Becky May, many cousins and so many friends who will never forget the love she brought into their lives.
The family would like to thank Medi Home Health and Hospice for the care they provided to Debbi and her family.
Donations can be sent to GoFundMe https://gofund.me/1aadc101 to honor Debbi and assist the family with final expenses.
The Harrell family is under the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford, Virginia. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com
