Betty M Harwell

Betty Maria Harwell was born on January 25, 1943, in Bogalusa, Louisiana to the late Jesse and Melodia (Melody) Brister. She was the third oldest of twelve children with two siblings preceding her in death: Charles Brister and Melvin Morgan. She attended Corpus Christi Elementary School (Chicago) and St. Thomas Apostle High School (Chicago). Betty never ceased a moment to learn and grow spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. She was an avid champion for being the change you want to see in the world. She leaves to cherish in the memory of her nine siblings: Joseph Brister, Johnetta Morgan, Victor Morgan, Mary Morgan, Barbara Morgan, Carl Morgan, Yolanda Morgan, Linda Morgan, and Yvette Morgan. Betty was given in holy matrimony to U.S. Army Veteran Lawrence W. Harwell, Jr. (WWII) on November 17, 1962. He was the love of her life and preceded her in death in 2004. Betty’s children are Bryant L. Harwell (Patricia), Eric V. Harwell (Robyn), and Derrick A. Harwell (Sherizod). She also loved and respected the children that she shared with her husband Lawrence W. Harwell Jr; Beverly Ryan, LeRoy Harwell, and Marvin Nunn (Cynthia). She was a grandmother and a great-grandmother to many blessed children of God. Betty was a devout follower of Christ. When she wasn’t spending quality time with family and friends, or working at Zenith (Electronic Company), Libby’s (Foods), and later, Wrigley’s Gum Company, she was praising the Lord and shining her light at St. Sabina Catholic Church. She was a dedicated member there for over two decades. As a Sunday school teacher, Betty had a strong connection with the youth. Betty always believed that children were the future and that what they believed about themselves influenced how they would show up in the world. The message she always preached was to keep God first. (Mathew 6:33) Along with her role as a chief encourager of the youth, she was a dedicated member of the hospitality ministry, a Eucharistic minister, a member of the leadership committee of the 106-block club (Chicago), a social justice advocate, and a firm believer in cultivating healthy communities. Betty has left behind a great legacy of strength, wisdom, faith, and togetherness. “And he will raise you up on eagle’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand.” A Few Fun Facts: Betty was born on January 25th, she became a mother to Bryant on January 25th, she then proceeded to love and nurture a granddaughter, Blaise on January 25th. That equates to three generations of Harwell’s born on the same day. God works in mysterious ways. She would often be seen driving her white Buick Roadmaster and making recurring trips to what some would call her favorite store, Sam’s Club. She was greatly loved and will be missed by many

Betty M Harwell

January 25, 1943 - October 22, 2021