Eva Merle Parrish Harrell, affectionately known as Eva Merle, who passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, in Taylor, Alabama, surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 10, 1933, in Houston County, Alabama, Eva Merle’s journey through life was marked by her loving nature and gentle spirit, which touched the hearts of all who knew her.
Eva Merle was a beacon of joy and warmth in her community. She was preceded in death by her parents, Horace and Mallie Mallory Parrish; her beloved husband, John Harrell; her cherished daughter, Deborah Harrell McLendon; and her siblings, Lomax Parrish, James Parrish, Sarah Nell Carbonelli, Billie Parrish, Gerald Parrish, and Jeanette Johnson. Her memory will be treasured and kept alive by those she leaves behind, including her grandson, Adam McLendon (Jeanette); her granddaughter, Stephanie Turvin (Shane); her sister, Diane Baxley (Tommy); her son-in-law, Mike McLendon (Carol); her great-grandchildren, Hannah Brunson (Ryan), Shellie Yeoman (Dustin), Daniel McGraw, Colby Turvin (Heather), and Courtney Dowd (Johnny); and her great-great-grandchildren, Miles, Lucas, Axel, Kairi, Lawson, Birdie, Gillie, and Johnny Dowd, as well as several loving nieces and nephews.
Eva Merle’s life was one of dedication and passion. She was a manager at Hallmark, where she was known for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to make every customer feel special. Her interests were as vibrant and varied as her personality. She had a love for shopping, finding joy in the hunt for the perfect gift or the next addition to her beloved nutcracker collection. Scrapbooking was another of her passions, allowing her to preserve precious family memories with creativity and care.
A master at growing flowers and plants, Eva Merle’s garden was a testament to her patience and nurturing touch. Her dog, Allie, was a constant companion and source of unconditional love. Family was the cornerstone of Eva Merle’s life, and she cherished the time spent with them, especially during Sunday dinners, which she hosted with love and enthusiasm. Despite being an Alabama fan in a family of Auburn supporters, her gentle ribbing and playful banter during football season will be fondly remembered.
Eva Merle’s love for Christmas was evident in her extensive nutcracker collection and the joy she took in decorating her home for the holidays. Her spirit of giving and celebration made every Christmas time a magical experience for her family and friends.
A graveside service to honor the life of Eva Merle Parrish Harrell will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Memory Hill Cemetery. The service will be officiated by Reverend Travis Free, who will share words of comfort and remembrance for all those whose lives were enriched by Eva Merle’s presence.
