Steven Harrell

James Steven Moody Harrell, 38, of Union City, formerly of Dyersburg, passed on from this life on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis.
A walk-through visitation will be held Friday from 5-7 p.m. at McCreight Funeral Home, located at 1607 Hornbrook St. in Dyersburg. A private funeral service will be held at noon Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery in Dyersburg.
Due to CDC guidelines for the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone must wear a mask to enter the funeral home.
If joy is found in brimming smiles and deep, soulful gazes, we know that James Steven Moody Harrell was the embodiment of miraculous joy. Steven entered this world on Nov. 30, 1981. God entrusted him to the kind-hearted, loving care of Sharon and Tony Harrell, both exceeding their calls as Steven’s guides for his 38-year journey.
Living far longer than ever imagined, Steven’s life was full with people who loved him — day one. Some might say he was a bit spoiled even.
Steven’s encounters changed hearts. It was seen in the advocacy of teachers and friends from Dyersburg Primary to Lake Road Elementary and CDS/St. Johns in Union City; armies of doctors and care teams; his Ross United Methodist Church family — witness to his childhood sermons and piano solos — and the countless family members and friends who pushed strollers, pulled wagons, took rides, babysat or just sat, cooked chicken, tater tots, pancakes, eggs, French toast bites  and yes — hot dogs at all hours, day or night.
Even strangers were compelled to cover restaurant bills, pray with and for them, allow their children to interact and be educated or simply offer a gentle smile. Steven warmed hearts and spaces with memories that cement his legacy.
In his later years, Steven lived the retired life, though he would not have known to call it that. He had given up his nicotine-free smoking — the middle portion of a deconstructed sponge roller — early in life. He enjoyed his leisure time sitting in his chair, working his puzzles or reading his books.
One might catch him napping while watching “Sanford & Son,” “The Price is Right” or “Fraggle Rock.” He tolerated kids at his choosing. Otherwise, with love and amusement he yelled at them. Nieces and nephews sat on his lap only to be repeatedly pushed across the room. They laughed. He cut his eyes, gave a soft grin, maybe laughed — his call.
As his body aged, his vocabulary became more … well, we’ll call it “colorful.” It was likely, a stress reliever for Steven. Simultaneously driving his parents mad and sometimes shaming them out of Sunday service, but God knows our hearts and he definitely knew Steven’s.
“Steven” stories are a treasure box of laughter and shenanigans. His was a full life. Reading this sounds like a normal life, cut short.
To know Steven, his life was anything but. He was special needs and truly a miracle — never expected to live to the age of five, then eight. He created a special need in our lives.
Steven had a rare seizure disorder that altered the course of our lives. He held us accountable for daily gratitude. God granted us joyful decades beyond medical expectancy.
Steven is now in the care of his grandparents, James and Elizabeth Moody and Wayne Harrell, several aunts, uncles, family members and very special friends.
Steven leaves to cherish his memory his parents, Sharon and Tony Harrell; grandmothers, Carlene Harrell, Artie Pledge and Dorotha Dewalt; a very special great-aunt, Loretta Dunivant; sisters and chief protectors, Toya Werkheiser (Robert), Destiny Harrell, LaBreia Harrell, LaShawda Armstrong and NaKeasha Armstrong; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.
Moreover, there is a long list of especially important people that loved Steven and contributed extensively to his well-being. They are our community and they know who they are.
To share memories and condolences with the family, visit www.mccreightfuneralhome.com.
A legacy of life, every life, is worth remembering.

Published 8.11.20