Katherine Harrell

KATHERINE HARRELL, age 82, passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, surrounded by the unconditional love and care of her family and the compassionate support of Zusman Hospice.

Katherine, affectionately known as “Poochie,” was born on January 16, 1944, in Kimball, West Virginia to her warmhearted parents, Edward Lee and Rosanna (Jeffries) Terry. Katherine was the sixth child of 16 children born to this loving couple. She later moved with her family to Columbus Ohio where she attended and graduated from East High School. During those years she met Rupert Harrell, who would later become her husband and the father to her children. They were married for more than 54 years, until his passing in 2016, and were blessed with four children: Ralph, Kenny, Kim, and Kelly.

Katherine was a fun-loving, lighthearted individual who never met a stranger. She loved to travel and attend every event possible, whether it was a family picnic, wedding, graduation, baby shower, fashion show or even a party in someone’s basement. She was truly a social butterfly. Katherine was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, sharing jokes and laughter until tears filled her eyes. Her heart was also filled with joy through sharing the spiritual message of Jehovah God. Katherine became a baptized Jehovah’s Witness in 1972 while pregnant with second son, Kenny. Over the years she served as an auxiliary pioneer on numerous occasions. When cancer treatments weakened her body and prevented her from participating in Field Service, she continued her ministry by writing letters from home. Katherine remained a faithful and devoted Jehovah’s Witness until the end of her earthly life.

Katherine took great pleasure in loving and caring for all of her grandchildren. Each one had a special place in her heart. She had a remarkable ability to make each grandchild feel like they were her favorite, showering them with hugs, kisses, sweet fun filled songs and personal sayings that only Granny could share.

Katherine was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Lee Sr. and Rosanna Terry; her husband, Rupert Harrell; her sisters Rose Bloom Terry, Cleopatria Steward and Dorothy Holleman; her brother Edward Terry Jr; and her sister-in-love Margo Terry.

Cherished and loving memories remain with her children, Ralph Harrell, Kenneth R Harrell, Kimberly (Lloyd) Napper, and Kelly Harrell; her sisters Juanita Marie Blackenberry, Florine Castleman, Verona Terry and Cynthia (Mark) Carpenter; her brothers William Terry, Nathaniel Terry, Clarence (Brenda) Terry, Lonnie Terry, Richard (Lue) Terry, James (Valeria) Terry and Jeffrey Terry; her 10 grandchildren: Keia Napper, Steven (Kayla) Napper, Quala Watkins, Mor’Kel Lott, Morquise Lott, Mya Lott, Maurice Lott, Kenneth A. Harrell, Michelle Harrell and Jessica Avarado; her great granddaughter Hope A. Lott; more than 30 nieces and nephews; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews and a plethora of other relatives and friends. The family wishes to send a very special “Thank You” to family friend Cindy Slade for her love, support and kindness.

Cremation arrangements for Katherine Harrell were entrusted to Leaf Cremation of Ohio.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 1, at 2:00 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1555 College Avenue, Columbus, OH 43209.