Lydia L. Harrell's Obituary
Lydia L. Harrell, age 92, of DuQuoin, IL, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2019 in Pinckneyville Community Hospital, Pinckneyville, IL.
Lydia was born on December 28, 1926 in Pinckneyville, IL, a daughter to Joseph "Wrenrick" and Matilda Sarah (Doolin) Atkins. On August 15, 1942, she married the love of her life, Edwin "Ed" Harrell in Perryville, MO and he preceded her in death on April 17, 2016 after 73 years of marriage, of which she was very proud of. Lydia retired from the garment industry after 43 1/2 years having worked at the Pinckneyville Garment Factory and Bridal Originals and being a member of the ILGWU. In 1981, she traveled to New York City to represent the garment workers union in a national commercial which can still be seen on YouTube under "The Union Label Classic Commercial 1981". Lydia was a member of the Old DuQuoin Baptist Church and taught Sunday school many years. She was a wonderful example of living a Christian life and touched many lives. She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed embroidery, was an amazing cook and loved cooking for people. She had sold her homemade apple butter, jellies and baked goods at Mardi Gras for many years. Lydia was very well known for her crocheting and the afghans that she made and gave to so many. Her and Edwin never had children but she was "Grandma Lydia" to so many.
Survivors include her sister, Helen Nussbaum of St. Louis, MO; her nieces and nephews, Sandy Woodside, Eva and Joel Hopp, Clifford Jr. and Pam Harrell, Vickie Robertson and family, and Mike and Kathy Harris; her great-nieces and great-nephews, Yolanda and Tim Issler and family, Andrea Lewis and family, Tiffany Bates and family, Jason Houghland, Mason Hopp and Leah Hopp, Tim and Stacy Hirsch and family, Dawn and Mark Heiman and family, Tricia Brock and family, Kim Borowiak and family, Tina Houghland and family, and Cheryl Tregoning and family; many other nieces and nephews; and her special friends, Wren Ray, Tom and Glenda Wilkins, and Lyle "Shorty" and Marge Houghland.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Ed Harrell; two brothers, in infancy; and four sisters.
Funeral services will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor James Clardy officiating. Interment will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, DuQuoin, IL.
Visitation will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL on Monday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to the Caring and Sharing Thrift Store.
What’s your fondest memory of Lydia L.?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lydia L.?
Share a story where Lydia L.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lydia L. you’ll never forget.
How did Lydia L. make you smile?