Harrell, Denise

On Monday, February 28, 2011, Ms. Denise “Niecey” Sowell-Harrell departed on a trip and her ticket was free. Denise was born in Newark, New Jersey in 1959 to Ms. Marie Harrell. From the age of two weeks old until her late teens, she was raised by two awesome people which were her biological grandparents; her father, the great Deacon Sidney Harrell, Sr. and a proud woman, Mother, Sister Missionary Leona G. Harrell. They molded and shaped her into a good, kind, strong, and independent woman. “Niecey” attended the Florence Public Schools where she enjoyed athletics by playing on the basketball team and she also ran track. She joined Bethel Apostolic Church in 1969 at the tender age of 10 along with her father, Deacon Harrell. “Niecey” was baptized in Jesus’ Name by the late great Bishop U. I. McCall (Louise) and she continued in the apostolic doctrine. Growing up, she served on the church’s usher board and choir, and was promoted to choir director by Sis. Louise McCall. Denise relocated to Newark, New Jersey where she completed her education at Barringer High School after which she became a single mother so she immediately entered the workforce. She began work in TV Broadcasting in 1978. She later moved on to the legal field for 13 years. Denise became bored with legal work so she moved on to law enforcement. She joined the Newark Police Department and worked for about 6 1/2 years. She got tired of police work and moved on to work for the State of New Jersey DMV for about seven years. Denise had several jobs throughout her professional career. She was a counselor for battered women and the homeless. In 1999, she decided to leave “the city” or “jungle” and return home. She worked in Florence in various capacities until she started having medical problems in about 2003. She retired and was disabled after 31 1/2 years of work. She grew tired and weak but still stayed in the race. “Niecey” will be missed for her kindness, her giving spirit, and the sound of her voice. Preceding her in passing were her parents, Deacon Sidney and Missionary Leona Harrell; four brothers, Ernest and Randy Sowell, James and David McAllister; and one sister, Mario McAllister. She leaves to carry on her legacy and she passes the baton to her loving and “devoted” son, Mr. Storm Sowell-Harrell of the home; and his loving sister, Ms. Latoya Sowell-Harrell of Newark, NJ; “Niecey” daughter blessed her with a second generation of two beautiful grandchildren, Little Mr. Samir L. Riley-Harrell and Little Ms. Zoey Denise Riley-Harrell of Newark, NJ; one sister, Rendell Sowell of Newark, NJ; and a brother, Dennis “Rock” Boles also of Newark, NJ; two biological estranged sisters, Carolyn and Renee of Newark, NJ; one aunt, Mrs. Lela Mae Harrell of Florence, SC; an uncle, Mr. Alcenia Harrell of Brooklyn, NY; a devoted god-sister, Rev. Sandra “Cookie” Muldrow of Florence, SC; a god-son, Little Kionne D. Echols, Jr. of Florence, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends, and the entire Bethel Apostolic Church family members.