Jo Anne Harrell

Jo Anne Harrell, age 79, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, at American House in Lebanon, Tennessee. Born October 6, 1945, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, Jo Anne was the daughter of Dr. Donald Corbitt and Sara Abernathy Corbitt. After Dr. & Mrs. Corbitt’s divorce, she returned to her mother’s childhood home of Clarksville, Tennessee, where Sara later married Charles M. Smith, who became Jo Anne’s Daddy from the age of two.

Jo Anne was preceded in death by her father and bonus mother, Dr. Donald and Cartha Corbitt of McCormick, South Carolina, and her mom and dad, Charles and Sara Abernathy Smith of Clarksville, Tennessee.

A lifelong learner and dedicated educator, Jo Anne earned a Master’s Degree in Education Administration. She began her teaching career at the Donelson Church of Christ kindergarten under the leadership of Rachel Bevans. She later served as a Title I Reading teacher and ultimately became the Elementary Supervisor for Wilson County Schools. Her leadership and commitment to education were recognized statewide—she was honored twice as Supervisor of the Year for Middle Tennessee.

Jo Anne shared 63 wonderful years of marriage with her devoted husband, Neal Harrell. They met in the first grade and began dating at age 15. Together, they raised three children: Dave (Penny) Harrell of Lebanon, Jeffrey (Josephine) Harrell of Hermitage, and Traci (Scott) Wayman of Hendersonville. “Jodie” was a proud grandmother to Trevor (Erin) Harrell of Murfreesboro, Callen (Valerie) Harrell of Clinton, Jared (Sagan) Harrell of Lafayette, and Beckham Wayman of Hendersonville, and to six great-grandchildren: Hixon, Tanner, Elijah, Madelyn, Annie Jo, and Graham.

She is survived by her siblings Lucile Smith Senseney of Clarksville, Tennessee; Elizabeth Smith Parris of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Dan Corbitt of Rochester, New York; Cary Corbitt of Hilton Head, South Carolina; her sister-in-law Becky Harrell of Brentwood, Tennessee, and her constant companion, Nash.

Her faith and service to the church were central to her life. Alongside Neal, who served as an elder at Donelson Church of Christ, they served as a Head Counselors at the church’s summer camp and Jo Anne played a key role in developing and administering the Sunday School curriculum for many years.

The family extends their deepest thanks to the attentive caregivers and nurses at American House, and the amazing staff from Gentiva Hospice, for their loving and compassionate care. Jo Anne will be remembered for her unwavering love of family, her faith-filled life, and her lifelong dedication to education and service. Her gentle spirit, wisdom, and kindness leave a legacy that will live on in all those she touched.

Visitation will be held at the Donelson Church of Christ Sunday, July 27, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3:00 p.m.