September 28, 1937 – June 2, 2026
Mary Jo Miller Harrell, age 88, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Magnolia Place Assisted Living Center in Cairo, GA.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 6th at 11 AM at Eastside Baptist Church in Cairo, GA. Private interment at Mars Hill Cemetery in Decatur County, Georgia. Officiating will be Rev. Matt Vickers. Pallbearers will be Bobby Holden, Bill West, Ben Holden, Murray Maxwell, Aubrey Corbitt, and Keith Miller. The family will receive friends one hour before the funeral service, beginning at 10 AM, at Eastside Baptist Church.
Mary Jo Miller Harrell was born September 28, 1937, to Lewis B. Miller, Sr. and Annie Jo Baker Miller. She married William C. (W.C.) Harrell, Sr. on February 5, 1960. They were married for over 48 years until his death in 2008. Mary Jo worked for Southern Insurance Managers for over 35 years, then for First Insurance Agency of Grady County for nine years until retirement. After the death of her husband, she took charge of the family farming and poultry operations for many more years. Mary Jo found great joy in serving her community and bringing people together, including preparing meals for family gatherings and church events. She was a longtime member of the Cairo Pilot Club as well as a founding member of the Syrup Sisters of Cairo. A devoted member of Eastside Baptist Church, Mary Jo faithfully participated in her Sunday School class, the Homemakers group, and numerous church committees, sharing her time, talents, and servant’s heart with others. Mary Jo was fond of her many beloved pets that brought her immense joy over the years.
Mrs. Harrell is survived by her son, William C. “Bill” Harrell, Jr. and wife Gloria; grandchildren Clay Corbitt and wife Katie of Kathleen, Georgia, and Lindsay C. Salapka and husband, Drew of Cummings, GA; great-grandchildren Lucy and Cole Corbitt and Lincoln and Lanier Salapka; son-in-law, Aubrey Corbitt; brother James D. Miller (Faye) of Cairo, GA; special friend, Fran Harrell, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, W. C. Harrell; daughter, Debbie H. Corbitt; parents, Lewis and Annie Jo Miller; brothers, Lewis B. Miller, Jr. and Reid Miller; and sister and brother-in-law, Jackie & Jimmy Voyles.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Mars Hill Cemetery Fund, 644 Newberry Road, Whigham, Georgia 39897.
Online condolences may be sent at www.coxiveyfuneralhome.com. Cox-Ivey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
