Irene Sasser Harrell
Wilmington —Mrs. Irene Sasser Harrell, 95, passed away Thursday, Aug. 24 at the Davis Community in Porter’s Neck.
Born on March 12, 1928 on a farm outside Mt. Olive, Irene was the daughter of Paul and Lillian Sasser. She was the fifth child and first girl of six children – aptly earning the nickname “Sis” – a name she was known by throughout her life by family and many friends.
After marrying the late Howard Harrell, they lived briefly in Mt. Olive before moving to Clinton where they raised their family of four children. Always a good sport and a good mother, she accompanied the family on many trips in a homemade camper from Myrtle Beach to Montreal and points in between. Her only requirement was that she be relieved of all cooking duties on such trips; that was left up to Howard (Beefaroni anybody?). She worked for many years with Sampson County Social Services, until retiring in 1990. She then moved to Surf City where she continued to enjoy playing bridge, walking, and especially, playing golf. She was more competitive than one might think, as can be attested to by her grandchildren who played many games of UNO with her. She was also able to travel, taking much enjoyed trips to California, Las Vegas and Europe. She loved Topsail Island and was able to stay there for 16 years, enjoying working in the yard and entertaining friends and family. She was blessed with a long life and was a great and supportive mother/grandmother to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.
Irene leaves behind her children, Debbie Harrell of Winston-Salem and Surf City; Ken Harrell (Ginny), Michael Harrell (Stacy) and Susan Harrell, all of Ocean Isle Beach; grandchildren Stuart Harrell, Carrie Harrell (Michael) Thomas, Paul (Lindsay) Harrell and Michael Paul Harrell II; great-grandchildren Mason, Caleb and Maddie Thomas and Nora and Asher Harrell.
She was preceded in death by her husband Howard Harrell and brothers Norman, Kenneth, Roland, and Leonard, and sister Edna Sasser Norris.
A private burial will be held at a later date in Maplewood Cemetery in Mt. Olive.
Royal-Hall Funeral Home is honored to serve the Harrell family.
