Zella Beth Harrell

Zella Beth (Keener) Harrell, 84, of Russellville, died Thursday, December 27, 2018 at the Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home in Russellville. The daughter of Omer and Irma (Barefield) Keener, she was born April 5, 1934 in Atkins. She was married to the late James "Jim" Henson Harrell. She was a member of Russellville First Assembly of God. She was preceded in death by her husband, James "Jim" Henson Harrell; and her parents. Survivors include her two sons, William Bradford Harrell of Russellville and Tim Harrell of Dallas, Texas; a granddaughter, Hanna Harrell of Dallas, Texas; sister, Patsy Pitts of Marietta, GA; cousin, Peggy Holbrook; and numerous extended family members and friends. Zella worked for Burl Harris, C.P.A. for many years reconciling the ledgers for businesses in Russellville, such as Humphrey Funeral Service, The Old South Restaurant, Taco Villa, and St. Mary's Regional Medical Center. Zella and her husband Jim also operated many successful business ventures beginning with Harrell Motors which was sold and is now Valley Motors. After several successful business ventures, Zella became the proprietor of Transco Lines. Transco Lines began with an International Trucking dealership the Harrell family owned. Zella claimed that she discovered "If you were going to move freight you had to have trucks.", so when the Harrell family sold their truck dealership in 1986, they kept the used trucks to be used in the operation of Transco Lines. Zella, along with her two sons, ran Transco Lines for years before they ultimately sold the company. Zella, always the entrepreneur, also dabbled in the antique business as one of her hobbies. Among some of Zella's favorite sayings was "Plan your work and work your plan." "Employees come 1st. Without them you don't have a business.", Zella's managerial style according to her is the "Push, pull, tug, shove until something gets done." style. Zella will be remembered for her kindness when it was not required, her love when no one seemed to care, and the joy she took in seeing others succeed. Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, January 4, 2019 at Humphrey Chapel in Russellville. Burial will be at Rest Haven Memorial Park in Russellville by Humphrey Funeral Service. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., on Thursday, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105. Internet Obituary and online guestbook are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.