Missionary Primrose Bennett Harrell was the third of seven children born to the union of the late Cleveland Bennett, Sr. and the late Lillie Lue Van Hitchens Bennett on March 31, 1935. She was delivered by a midwife in a three room framed house with wooden windows in the Hillsdale Community. She attended elementary school in a wooden church school in St. Helena Parish and graduated from St. Helena Parish Colored Training School (high school) in 1953. She furthered her formal education at Southern University-Baton Rouge. There she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Home Economics in 1957. She later achieved a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education and pursued additional studies at Dillard and Southeastern Louisiana Universities.
Missionary Harrell accepted Christ early in life at Gordon Chapel #1 Church of God in Christ under
the leadership of the late Elder E.C. Pounds and was baptized in the Tangipahoa River. After the demise of Elder Pounds, she continued to serve under the late Elder W. M. Slack. While under the leadership of the late Superintendent Alex Richardson, she attended a rival conducted by the late Bishop James E. Gordon and Superintendent Charles H. Gordon. It was in that service that God baptized her with the Holy Ghost. Eager to please the LORD and be found working within HIS vineyard, she served as Primary Sunday School Teacher, Assistant Church Secretary, Assistant to the Church Mother, and in any capacity that was needed.
Proverbs 18:22 says" Whoso findeth a wife fainted a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord." On
August 3, 1958, the late Elder Jasper Harrell, Jr. knew he found a "Good Thing" in the former Primrose Bennett. This union was blessed with two daughters, Wanda Lynette and Kim LaJasper.
As they grew in their service to GOD, in 1973 her husband was appointed pastor of Gordon Chapel #2 Church of God in Christ, known today as Gordon-Harrell C.O.G.I.C. As First lady, she navigated the Women's Ministry. She and her husband remained before God as to how HE would have them lead his people. So it came as no surprise on the passing of the late Elder Frank Harrel that once again an appointment was given to serve at New Bethel C.O.G.I.C.
Upon the passing of her late husband/Pastor in 1987, Missionary Harrell held her relationship with GOD above all and served in accordance with HIS WORD joyfully. She continued to serve under the leadership of the late Elder Roosevelt Harrell, Sr. the late Elder Raymond Harrell, Sr., the late Superintendent Samuel Richardson, and Superintendent Emmitt Richardson.
In recent years, she served on a local level as church mother of Gordon-Harrell, under the leadership of her current pastor, Elder Erold Lesperance. GOD endowed her with the ability to teach. She cherished that which was place within her and functioned as the instructor for the Adult Sunday School and Bible Band classes. She enjoyed coordinating Vacation Bible School and any other capacities needed. Her services spanned across District #1 North for more than 20 years. She as assistant to the late District Missionary Helen Wilbon and gleaning much knowledge. In 2001, she was appointed District Missionary for GOD groomed her with wisdom to lead women in HOLINESS. There was no role to small or too big. She as willing to be the missing link in an ever growing move of GOD's love. She found it pertinent that women carry themselves within a manner predicated by GOD and never missed an opportunity to instruct on such. Missionary Harrell spent time with GOD and lived a life that others might see HIM and come into HIS glory.
As she broadened her service on a jurisdictional level, opportunities of advisement became available. Missionary Harrell diligently sought the LORD in all her ways and was lead to obey leadership under the late Bishop W.K. Gordon, Sr., the late Bishop J. E. Gordon, and Bishop Alphonso Denson, Sr. She knew what it meant to pray for leaders and how to lead. She gladly fulfilled memberships on Louisiana East First Jurisdictional Catechism Board, Executive Board, Women's Finance, Conference Registration Committee, and Conference Food Committee. An area she held dear was the Business and Professional League. Not only did she serve as a member, but also as former president. Her favorite songs were, " Jesus Said It", Running for My Life" and "Come Over Here." Her favorite scripture was Psalms 121: 1-2
Missionary Harrell's professional career as an educator spanned over 30 years. She began her career in McComb, Mississippi and she retired with St. Helena Parish School System. She educated many children during her tenure as a teacher and assistant principal at Fifth Ward Elementary School. She was known throughout the community as a very firm, but caring teacher. If a student had an unmet need, she didn't hesitate to assist. After retiring in 1988, she continued to educate many other students as a substitute teacher within Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parish School System.
Also, she joined the SHP Federal Credit Union in 1969 and served as secretary of the Board of
Directors. She continued her service to become Board President in 1997 until her resignation due to illness in 2016. She was infamous for her strict adherence to Federal and State regulations. She spent countless hours at the office and home ensuring regulatory compliance.
Directors. She continued her service to become Board President in 1997 until her resignation due to illness in 2016. She was infamous for her strict adherence to Federal and State regulations. She spent countless hours at the office and home ensuring regulatory compliance.
 |
| Homegoing Celebration of District Missionary Primrose Benett Harrell |
She leaves to cherish her memory two caring daughters, Missionary Wanda H. Knighten adn Kim (Howard) Jones; surrogate daughter/sister-in-law, Missionary Deloris (Henry Washington; three amazing grandchildren, Jasper Knighten, Myia Knighten and Amari Rose Harrell; two sisters, Missionary Carlen (Joseph) Pope and Mariah Bennett, ten sisters-in-law, Rose C. Bennett, Missionary Mildred A. Harrell, Sarah Harrell, Isabell Harrell-Cook, Jerry Dean Johnson, Cherry Harrell, Ruth Jackson, Patricia Jackson, Mary Harrel and Sadie Harrell; four brothers-in-law, Joseph Pope, Elder Henry Harrell, Oliver Jackson, Jr., and Henry Washington, one uncle-in-law, Reverend Francis Williams, (Ella); five Godchildren, James Lewis, Thomas Cook,Trenda Haywood, Missionary Veronica Elder Johnny) Dunomes and Camria Pope; a devoted cousin/sister Joyce (Walter) Haywood, a devoted cousin/friend, Mary B. Smith, Aunt-in-law, Geraldine B Hitchens, long time friend and church traveling companion Missionary Priscilla Gordon, a host of nieces and nephews, other family and friends. The Gordon Harrell C.O.G.I.C., District #1 North, Louisiana East First Jurisdiction families, and Fifth Ward Alumni are also left to cherish her memory.
She was preceded in death by her husband Elder Jasper Harrell, Jr., parents, Cleveland Bennett, Sr., and Lillie Lue Van Hitchens Bennett, two brothers, Celeveland Bennett, Jr., and Alan J. Bennett and two sisters, Dorothy Bennett and Lloyd Bennett.
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, have kept the faith: henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but until all them also that love His appearing. " II Timothy 4: 6-8
