Jessie Virginia Simmons Harrell

Mrs. Jessie Virginia Simmons Harrell, 96, of Mount Airy, passed away Thursday evening, August 20, 2015, at Northern Hospital of Surry County. Mrs. Harrell was born March 22, 1919, in Surry County, one of six children born to the late Joseph C. and Maude Ella Lee Simmons. Jessie and her late husband, Samuel Kern Harrell, owned and operated Harrell Oil Company. She loved oil painting and completed many canvasses. Mrs. Harrell was a member of First Baptist Church in Mount Airy. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Jean and Phillip Welch of Mount Airy; a son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Fairie Harrell of Mount Airy; her grandchildren, Elizabeth Lee Welch and Mike Mauldin, Brandon Welch, Ian Harrell, and Erik Harrell, all of Mount Airy; her great-grandchildren, Josh Hall, Clay Welch, Corbin Welch, and Jamie Reece; and a brother-in-law, George Katrinak of Burlington. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Harrell was preceded in death by two sisters, Mildred S. James and Joanna S. Katrinak; and three brothers, Raymond C. Simmons, Warren C. Simmons, and R.D. "Joe" Simmons. A graveside service will be held Monday, August 24, 2015, at 11:00 AM at Skyline Memory Gardens, with Dr. Roger B. Gilbert officiating. The family will receive friends Monday from 9:30 until 10:30 AM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the love and compassion shown by the Skilled Nursing Unit staff at Northern Hospital of Surry County for over 10 years of wonderful care. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 714 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030.