Edna Ruth Harwell

Edna Ruth Harwell passed on Sunday, November 14th, 2021 at the age of ninety-one years, the last of the nine Richardson siblings. A Pulaski native, Mrs. Edna, will be remembered for her warmth, wit, generous sense of humor, fierce determination, and tireless efforts in love and service to others. Her life exemplifies the faith statement of James 2:18: “I by my works will show you my faith.” Her life is a testament to God’s transformative grace and how He empowers his followers to do His works. Edna was a loving wife, a devoted mother and grandmother, and an innovative businesswoman, active in her family, community, and church. She has touched many lives. Edna was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, attending First Presbyterian Church of Pulaski since childhood and also the Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville during her tenure as manager of the Sears catalog store there. Seeking to share her assurance of grace and eternal life through Christ with her community, Edna took on numerous roles within the church. She served as an elder, choir member, teacher and mentor, moderator of the Presbyterian Women, member of the Spiritual Care Ministry, and spearhead of the angel tree ministry. She was always ready to provide a comforting meal to grieving families and was instrumental in helping interim pastors. In her ministry work, she was committed to order, transparency, and service. After retiring from Sears, Edna and her husband Frank came back home to Pulaski to be close to loved ones and help care for family. She soon took on volunteering at the Giles County Help Center. She was also a member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club, who worked for several years to coordinate the annual Pulaski Christmas parade. She served as a Pink Lady hospital volunteer and was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She took pleasure in many craft activities, including painting and sewing. Edna enjoyed the companionship of her cats, Tinkerbell and Prissy, and her Rottweiler, Duke. Edna’s husband of fifty years, Frank Harwell lost his battle with cancer in 1999. Edna herself was a cancer survivor, recovering twice from breast cancer. In memory of Frank and other loved ones and in gratitude for her own recovery, Edna championed the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life through her church team, where she fundraised tirelessly and spent many hours sharing and supporting others whose lives have been impacted by cancer. We will remember Edna as a faithful, friendly, giving, and forgiving Christian lady; she was equally headstrong and compassionate, which allowed her to accomplish much in her lifetime. Her family and friends remain proud, grateful, and inspired by her life and legacy. The family wish to acknowledge the incredible care, comfort, and compassion offered to us by the doctors, nurses, and staff of Southern Tennessee Regional Health System of Pulaski. We would also like to thank Dr. Clement Aluyi and staff, Meadowbrook, and everyone who has supported Edna’s transition from this world to her Heavenly home. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 16th, from 4:00 until 7:00pm in chapel of Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory, and from 1:00 until 2:00pm on Wednesday, November 17th, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church. Funeral Service will take place Wednesday, November, 17th, 2021, 2:00pm at First Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow in Giles Memory Garden Memorial donations: American Cancer Society and The Giles county Help Center Preceded in death by: Husband Thomas Frank Harwell Sons-in-law Robert Brown Dollins and David Harwood Green Father James Floyd Richardson and mother Mary Ruth Phelps Richardson Beloved siblings Survived by: Daughter, Frances Kay Green Granddaughter, Robyn Elizabeth Olson (Javis) Great-grandchildren Huckleberry Brown Olson and Ellwood Creedence Olson Many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends also survive. Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory are in charge of arrangements for Edna Ruth Harwell.

Edna Ruth Harwell

February 3, 1930 - November 14, 2021