Barbara Jones Harrell

On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, Barbara Ann Jones Harrell entered into eternal rest at her home. She was born April 24, 1944 in New Orleans, LA to the late Harry Jones and Florence Coleman Jones. Barbara Jones Harrell was the beloved wife of the late Gerald August Harrell, Sr. They were united in holy matrimony on April 25, 1964 in Sunrise, Louisiana. To this union were born six children, Lori Ann Harrell, Gerald August Harrell, Jr. (Patricia “Trudie”), Nicole Ann Harrell, Bridgette Harrell Huntley (Quinn), Corey Andre’ Harrell, and the late Jerrie A. Harrell Godfrey (the Late Kenneth). Barbara Jones Harrell was baptized in 1956, at the age of 12, in the Mississippi River by Reverend Alcide Merrick at First Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, in Sunrise, Louisiana. Throughout her life, she was spiritually guided by the Word of God. Her life, as well as her family’s life, was centered in the church. She raised her children at Bethel A.M.E. Church, New Orleans Louisiana, where she was a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, as well as a leader of the Young People Department. Barbara was also a member of the Adult Choir and a Girl Scout Leader. Before Hurricane Katrina, she became a member of Gaza Missionary Baptist Church, and then Franklin Avenue Baptist Church. While away from home during the hurricane, she attended Mt. Olivet Missionary Baptist Church in Monroe, Louisiana and Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. When she returned to New Orleans, she continued her membership at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church. Barbara received her high school diploma from Sunrise High School in 1962 and her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Southern University of New Orleans in 1979. Before becoming an educator, Barbara was employed at Charity Hospital of New Orleans. Upon receiving her degree, she was employed by the Archdiocese of New Orleans: St. David Elementary and St. Mary of the Angels; Orleans Parish School Board: Ray Abrams and George Washington Elementary Schools; and Plaquemines School Board: Boothville-Venice and Buras Elementary Schools. Barbara retired from the Orleans Parish School Board on March 25, 2006. She loved being an educator. It was her life’s mission to impart knowledge and wisdom to those around her. She was beloved by all of her students, parents, faculty, staff, family, and friends. Her pass time enjoyment was sewing, cooking, reading, traveling, fellowship with family and friends, and more importantly, sharing the gospel to everyone she encountered. Her love for her church, her family, friends, neighbors and community was evident in the life she lived. Barbara’s legacy will live on in her children, as well as her grandchildren, Jentrele, Jarred, Courtney, Gerald, III “Tre” (Tuwaikene), Jeremy, and Syndi Harrell; Jordan Godfrey (Ash’Leigh); Raven Parker (Patrick, Sr.); Torin Sr. (Kayla) and Noah Hawkins; Michael, Marcus, and Brianna Huntley; and great-grandchildren, Caleb Adams; Javian, Yo’el, Ya’ir, Jru, and Jordyn Harrell; Syrai Manimoi; Patrick Jr. and Raya Parker; Torin “Levi” Jr. and Annalia Hawkins; and Isabella Huntley. Barbara also had three godchildren: Kerbert Vaugn Jr, Keshun Carpenter, and the Late Loretta Jones Henry. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald August Harrell, Sr.; her daughter, Jerrie H. Godfrey; her son-in-law, Kenneth Godfrey; her parents, Harry and Florence Jones; and her sisters, Rosemary J. Vaughn and Gloria J. Foster. Barbara leaves to cherish her memory, her five children, thirteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, two sisters, Carolyn J. Parker (Kenneth Sr.) and Henrietta J. Turner (Theodore Jr.), one aunt (Delores P. Coleman), six sisters-in-law, Leola Hamilton, Lorraine Sample, Janice Banks, and Velma, Mary, and Janette Harrell, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Through Barbara’s prayers and supplication, her family is blessed by God’s grace and favor. Special thanks to her son, Corey Andre’, who took excellent care of his mother during these past years. Relatives and friends of the family are also invited to attend the Funeral Service at Franklin Ave Baptist Church, 8282 I-10 Service Road New Orleans, Louisiana on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 10:00am. Visitation will begin at 9:00am until 10:00am. In addition, you can view the services online at www.franklinabc.com, Facebook.com/fabcnola, and YouTube.com/fabcnola. Interment: Providence Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook. In lieu of flowers, you can make donation to Excellence by Designs Florist for flowers.