Kathleen "Kathy" Patrice Harrell

Kathleen (Kathy) Patrice Harrell was born January 14, 1952, to Luther Harrell, Sr. and Katherine Kennedy Harrell in Nashville, TN. She grew up with her older brother, Luther Harrell, Jr. Kathy attended Nashville public schools until high school and graduated high school from Peabody Demonstration School (University School Nashville). She attended Fisk University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. In 1976, she received a Master’s Degree in Psychology from George Peabody College at Vanderbilt University. Kathy moved to Houston, Texas and worked as an office manager in an Oral Surgery practice. After earning a Dental Hygiene Diploma in 1980, she spent 13 years as both office manager and dental hygienist. In 1993, she relocated to Oakland, California as a social worker, then returned to Nashville in 1999 and became an administrative assistant at Fisk University in 2008. Kathy joined First Baptist Church, Capitol Hill (FBCCH) in 2013 and quickly became active in its ministry. She consistently participated in Bible study and maintained a keen interest in learning about God's Word. Kathy co-led the Community Care Team, coordinating volunteer activities that included serving meals at the Nashville Rescue Mission. She started the FBCCH Share Packs, coordinating times for members to gather and assemble gallon-sized bags of snack food items to share with those experiencing homelessness. This was a tangible way to encourage members to share the gospel in both word and deed. Kathy additionally fulfilled the role of school liaison, overseeing member involvement at Robert Churchwell Elementary School, FBCCH's adopted school. Although Kathy was initially hesitant to pray in public, she subsequently emerged as a key leader during the Monday night prayer calls. She thoroughly enjoyed co-leading with Sis. Anita Greene. They collaborated to curate thoughtful and engaging prayer topics, including praying hymns and prayers from women in scripture. Kathy traveled twice on global mission trips to the Republic of Tanzania in East Africa, where she appreciated gaining insight into Maasai culture and assisting with the Bible teaching of local women. Kathy approached her discipleship with commitment, gaining greater insight into God's heart regarding herself and others. She strengthened her dedication to God and grew in prayer and intercession. In 2020, Kathy joined the administrative staff team as the church secretary. She quickly learned Constant Contact and kept the congregation connected online during COVID. She consistently demonstrated a willingness to learn new skills, even when mastery required additional time. Kathy loved her church family and having the opportunity to serve the congregation she loved was a gift of God’s grace and redeeming love. Kathy is preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her brother Dr. Luther (Roslyn) Harrell, cousins Ponnie Rasmussen, Micah Nussbaum, Darleene (Dwight) Beard, Donzalè Rogers, numerous other cousins, cherished relatives and friends.