Carol Joyce Harrell

When reflecting on the life of Carol Harrell words such as devoted, loving, and faith-filled come to mind, but perhaps the melody that appears the most throughout her lifes song was her endless love of life. She was vibrant with a personality that just sparkled wherever she was and it drew others to her with ease. Carols love for her family was unmatched, and as the matriarch of her extended family she saw to it that everyone had as much fun when they were together as she did. She was bubbly and outgoing, a woman who never met a stranger. A genuine gift in the lives of so many around her, Carols legacy will live on in the hearts of those who follow her. Nestled within the years of the Great Depression was the year 1935 that was a difficult year to be sure, yet it also boasted of noteworthy accomplishments such as Amelia Earharts solo flight across the Atlantic, the enactment of the Social Security Act, and the creation of the Works Progress Administration that was designed to create millions of jobs. This was a year to remember in the lives of one bustling family from Muskegon, Michigan, for a much different reason as it was the year they welcomed a healthy baby girl into their hearts and home on December 4th. Baby Carol Joyce was the eighth of eleven children born to her parents, Arthur Edward and Ida (Telleson) Hoover, and was named Carol at the suggestion of a cousin who declared that her arrival during the Christmas season blessed the Hoovers with a Christmas Carol. She was raised in a close-knit family alongside her older siblings, Virginia, Charles, Donna, Bertram, Lorraine, Betty, and Doris, and her younger siblings, Richard, Wayne, and Marilyn. Carols father worked as a machinist while her mother was a busy homemaker. Family relationships were front and center in the Hoover home. Carols best friends were her sisters, and there were regular family reunions each June or July. The Hoovers attended Central Lutheran where Carol received her confirmation, and Sunday afternoons usually found their family out for a drive. The family also spent time making Norwegian food together and playing lively games of cribbage. It comes as no surprise to those who knew Carol that she hated to lose even as a young girl. In many ways Carols childhood was fairly typical for the youth of her generation. She enjoyed playing baseball with her siblings, high jumping over her fathers cane fishing pole, and reading, too. Carol attended Porter Elementary, Moon School, and then Muskegon High for both junior and senior high. She graduated in 1954. Life was forever changed for Carol when she became acquainted with a fellow worker at Piston Ring Factory. His name was Bernie Harrell and although she worked in the office and he worked in the stockroom, he couldnt help but notice this cute young girl named Carol and asked her out. She turned bright red at the invitation, but accepted, and as the story goes the rest is history. After falling in love Carol and Bernie were married on April 12, 1958, in Muskegon. The newlyweds soon settled into a home on Norton Avenue in Norton Shores and later moved to the home they built in North Muskegon. Together they were thrilled with the birth of their son, David Alan, in 1967. Carol fully immersed herself into her role as a mother and was supportive of her son in everything he did. She was always ready to give him encouragement or even help when needed, and she had plenty of unconditional love to offer as well. As a homemaker Carols skills were extraordinary as she was clean and organized, and she wasnt afraid to try new things in the kitchen either with results that were always fantastic. Spending time as a family was of the utmost importance to Carol in both the everyday routines and the more monumental life events, too. They enjoyed trips to places like Las Vegas, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, Florida, Colorado, and Missouri just to name a few. Carol and her family often went to Traverse City in May for flowers and wine, and they went again in the fall to take in the autumn colors and more wine. They also enjoyed turtle sundaes together once a month. Extended family continued to play a significant role throughout Carols entire life. Christmas Eve was always spent at the Hoover family home, and their gatherings were anything but routine. These events were rich in traditions that meant so much to everyone. Carol loved playing cribbage and dominos well into the night with her extended family, and as the matriarch of her family it was Carol who always saw to it that they got together for holidays and other special occasions. Carol made these gatherings so much fun as her competitive spirit kept everyone on their toes, and her laughter was plentiful, especially when the wine was freely flowing! Family weddings and reunions were something she was sure to make time for. Although much of her time centered on her family, Carols life was enriched in other ways, too. She worked as a secretary at Piston Ring Factory for over 38 years before retiring in 1999. Carol attended Central Lutheran for many years and most recently attended First Lutheran. She was always active in her church serving on the altar guild, as an usher, and making vast amounts of food for activities. Carol made friends easily and treasured many friendships as the years went by. Carol loved gardening, computer games, puzzles, and shopping, shopping, and more shopping! Although she was a resilient woman, she would not fly as she struggled with claustrophobia. With her every breath Carol Harrell lived to love others whether her family and friends, fellow church members, or someone she just met. She fully embraced every day she was given and made sure those around her did, too. Carols devotion to her family was easy to see, and her laughter was a delight to hear. Life will never be the same without her here, but Carols memory will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. Carol J. Harrell died on Tuesday, February 21, 2012. Carols family includes her husband, Bernard; son, David Harrell of Muskegon; siblings, Donna (Charles) Dagen of Muskegon, Lorraine VanDyke of Shelby, Doris (Lester) Stroup of CO, Wayne (Susan) Hoover of IL, Marilyn (Garry) Bradfield of Muskegon; sisters-in-law, Patricia Reno, Janet (Carlton) Gustin, both of Muskegon; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Carol was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Virginia Crampton, Betty Sturdefant; brothers, Charles Hoover, Bertram "Pete" Hoover, and Richard Hoover. Services will be held on Friday, February 24, 2012, 11:00 a.m. at First Evangelical Lutheran Church with Rev. William Uetricht officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Visit with Carols family and friends on Thursday, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon and Friday, 1 hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to First Evangelical Lutheran Church or Harbor Hospice-Poppen House. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.