Mavourneen Watler Harrell, 93, of Beaumont, died Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at Calder Woods Nursing Home.
She was born on April 8, 1914, in Prospect, Grand Cayman, British West Indies to William and Louise Watler. She moved to Beaumont in 1935, where she met Reverend E.O. “Okie” Harrell. She and Okie were married in 1946 and lived in Denton, Texas, where she received her Master’s degree from Texas Women’s University. Their family also lived in Odessa and Victoria, Texas. After the death of her husband in Victoria, Mavourneen moved to Lake Charles, Louisiana where she was a Professor of Sociology at McNeese State University. She moved back to Beaumont in 1987 after retiring from McNeese and served as Parish Visitor at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church for a number of years.
Her son, James Robert Harrell; grandson, Robert Harrell; and great grandson, Donovan Harrell also preceded her in death.
Survivors include her son, William Eugene Harrell of Lake Charles; grandchildren, Dawn Harrell-Chustz and Freddie Chustz of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Ronald Harrell and his wife Jennifer of Bently, Louisiana and Kayla Harrell of Lake Charles, Louisiana; great grandchildren, James Harrell, Kenge Harrell, Kendred Harrell, Elijah Harrell, and Gaberial Harrell; and four step-great grandchildren. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 12, 2007 at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 11, 2007 at St Andrews Presbyterian Church.
Mavourneen was a true lady. She will be remembered for her beauty, her concern for others, and her gracious hospitality both at home and at church. All who knew her loved her enormous generosity and caring spirit. Her family wishes to thank the staff of Calder Woods for their loving care of her in the last several years of her life.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Foundation, 1350 North 23rd Street, Beaumont, Texas 77706.
