Harrell is survived by her parents, her husband Antonio, and two teenage daughters. When the pastor didn’t come home last Wednesday, her family tracked her phone, which led to her body.
Marae Harrell, 18, says of finding her mother, “I was there and I still didn’t believe it. I was expecting her to wake up, open her eyes or move.” Alyse Harrell, 15, says her mom “had an open, wonderful, and accepting heart, and she was always willing to learn about new people and she loved people.”
UMC officials say they’re providing grief counselors and focusing on caring for the slain pastor’s family, congregants, and colleagues. Bishop Haupert-Johnson indicates the conference will soon “share additional grief and trauma resources as well as ways to celebrate Marita’s life.”
