It is with regret we announce the passing of Mrs. Rachel Evelyn Moyers Harwell, age 82, of Fayetteville, TN. Rachel was born on February 5, 1938 in Lincoln County, TN to the late George Paschal and Thelma B Wallace Moyers. She passed away on November 11, 2020 at Huntsville Hospital.
Rachel earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from George Peabody College (now known as Vanderbilt University). She taught Elementary Education with Lincoln County School System and later in Michigan. At heart, Mrs. Harwell was an Artist. As an artist, her primary medium was water color paintings, many examples of which grace homes in Lincoln County and in the Washington, DC area, where she lived for many years.
Rachel had a heart for giving back to her community. She would give back anyway possible by serving on civic boards or volunteering with church. Rachel and her husband, Jim, moved often, living in Michigan, East Tennessee, Texas, Ethiopia, Oklahoma, and Maryland. Rachel supported Jim in his 30 years of Military service, including, 15 years in the U.S. Air Force and 15 years in the Commission Corps of U.S. Public Health Service.
Dr. & Mrs. Harwell returned to Fayetteville in 1999, to live on the family farm where Rachel grew up. She was heavily involved in the community where she served on the board at Fayetteville Main Street, Junior Round Dozen, the Lincoln County Museum, and PEO of Huntsville, AL.
Survivors include her husband of 60 years, James Franklin Harwell; sister, Martha Lou (Jochen) Hoffmann of Arlington, VA; brother, Richard Edward (Suzie) Moyers of Fayetteville; brother-in-law, Walter Crawford of Nashville; nephews, Andrew (Melissa) Moyers of Ooltewah, TN, Edward (Corynn) Moyers of Tullahoma, TN, Nathan (Allison) Moyers of Phoenix, AZ, Brent (Clare) Moyers of Garland, TX, and Dr. Morgan (Terri) Crawford of Durham, NC; and niece, Jennifer (Tom) Stootsberry of Kingston Springs. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Harwell was preceded in death by her brother, George Jackson Moyers and sister-in-law, Connie Harwell Crawford.
A private graveside service will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery with Rev. Bruce McVey officiating. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Blanche School Library, Attn.: Judy Conley, Librarian, 1649 Ardmore Highway, Taft, TN 38488 or PEO of Huntsville, AL.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Rachel Evelyn Harwell.
