Vera Ella (Hemmings) Harrell

Vera Ella Hemmings Harrell, 97, of Eatonton, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024,  surrounded by her family.

Vera was born on May 22, 1927 in Berrien County Georgia to the late Robert Dudley Hemmings and Ella Frances Haynes Hemmings both of Surrey County North Carolina. She married the love of her life, Billy Etheridge Harrell in Hahira, Georgia on September 11, 1948 and they were married until his death on November 23, 1992. Vera graduated from Nashville High School in Nashville, GA in 1944 and Kool Business School in Douglas, GA in 1946.  Her working career began at the Air Force Base in Warner Robins, GA, she also worked at a drugstore in Nashville, GA and Western Union in Adele, GA. After acquiring a broker’s license for insurance, she worked for Frank B. Hall and Co. in Atlanta for fifty-two years retiring as vice-president on September 30, 1992. She was a woman working in a man’s field and had to overcome many obstacles and difficulties.  She was a trailblazer in her field and was very respected by her co-workers and others in the insurance profession.  

Twenty-one years ago they moved from Stone Mountain, Georgia, where she was a member of North Clarendon Baptist Church to Eatonton, Georgia.  She was an active member of Eastern Star holding many offices as Grand Electa, Worthy Matron, Grand Representative, and secretary throughout her 37 years as a member and Daughters of the Nile.  Vera loved to serve others, and she did it with a happy heart. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother and grandmother.

She was predeceased by her husband, Billy Etheridge Harrell and all of her siblings:  Daisy H. Lemon, Nanny H. Jefferson, Pearl H. Grinner, Susie H. Knowles, Pansy H. Stodghill, Lorena H. Spires, Rossie Franklin Hemmings and Robert William Hemmings. Survivors include her daughter, Lynne Paulette (Bill) of Eatonton, GA; son, Gary Harrell (Charlotte Martin) of Lawrenceville, GA; grandchildren, Jeremy W. Paulette of Eatonton, GA, Joshua Caleb Harrell (Julie) and Scarlet K. Harrell both of Atlanta, GA; great grandchildren, Lucy K. Harrell and Tommy William Harrell both of Atlanta, GA; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad Street, Greensboro, GA 30642 with Rev. Kenny Marr officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home before the service.  Graveside services will be Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, 3000 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker, GA 30084. McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, (706) 453-2626, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.

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