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Ruth Josey Harrell, age 95, of Bainbridge, Georgia, passed away peacefully at her home on February 5, 2023 after an extended illness.

Ruth was the oldest of four daughters of Cliff and Lois Josey and was born and raised in Brinson, Georgia.  After graduating from Brinson High School at age 16 she worked at the Bainbridge Air Force base in support of the World War Two effort. Following the war, she met and married Thomas E. Harrell and was supportive of his several business ventures during their 48 years of marriage, always present in the background, working where needed and helping with key decisions.

Ruth was a consistent, strong, loving presence in the lives of her husband, children and grandchildren.  Ruth and Tom always emphasized the need for a good education and ensured that their children had an opportunity to be well-educated and prepared for life.

Ruth took pride in her gardens and landscaping and spent countless hours outdoors. Her home was always welcoming to family and friends. Ruth’s greatest joy was time spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She always had a smile on her face when holding little babies.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Tom; her parents; her three sisters, Gladys Harrison, Agnes Edmunds and Marcia Ann Green; and her daughter-in-law Rebecca Harrell.  She is survived by her children Del (Walter) Goodman of Bainbridge, Jane (Paul) Roberts of Brookhaven, GA, Rudy (Rebecca) Harrell of Atlanta, Susan (Alan) Pinnell of Charleston, SC, Marcia (Dan) Hodges of Greensboro, GA and Ben (Kathy) Harrell of Bainbridge ; her grandchildren Darrell (Teresa) Goodman, Mark Goodman, Carla (Michael) Chastain, Tom Roberts, James (Sarah) Roberts, Tim (Lauren) Roberts, Ross (Joanna) Harrell, Whitney (Ryan) Beiner, Brittany (Michael) O’Shaughnessy, Brandon (Tricia) Woods, Haley (Matt) Reynolds, Daniel (Torie) Hodges, Thomas (Danymarie) Hodges, Benjamin Harrell and Lawson Harrell; and 15 great grandchildren.

The funeral service for Ruth will be at 2:00 pm on Friday, February 10 at Prosperity Baptist Church, preceded by visitation at 1:00 pm at the church. Gifts may be made in Ruth’s memory, in lieu of flowers, to Prosperity Cemetery Fund in care of Dorothy Jean Morris, 369 Martin Road, Bainbridge, GA 39817 or Brinson Baptist Church cemetery fund.