It is with a heavy heart that we must announce the loss of our beloved mother, Karen Kay Harvell on December 29, 2024. Mom bravely fought breast cancer. It never stopped her from living her best life.
She was born on June 20, 1943, in Taylorville, IL, the daughter of Harry and Myrtle Orr. She was the 7th of 12 children. On December 14, 1960, she married Thomas Duane Harvell, and they spent many loving years together before he preceded her in death in 2019.
Karen worked for the Taylorville Police Department for twenty-five years before retiring. She served the community as it’s first meter maid, then finished her career as the records clerk. As a committed and loving couple, Karen and Tom enjoyed antiquing, traveling, and spending time outdoors. Above all, they loved spending time with their family, and they proudly watched three generations of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow up.
She was an active member of AFSCME, the Moose, and the Genealogic Society local chapter. She acquired many talents throughout her life. She was a skilled bowler and in her free time she could often be found sewing, playing guitar or organ, baking, or cooking for her family.
Surviving are her children, Gerald Thomas (Kristy) Harvell, Lori Lynn Herman (Jetta); grandchildren, Cheryl Casad, Mallory Herman (Scott), Shelby Herman fiancé (Keith), Samantha (Brian) Leach; great-grandchildren, Christian, Domanic, Kynslee, and Layklynn, Leach, Zayden McDowell, Nolyn and Kasyn Westbrook; sisters Donna LeFever and Pam Jacobs; brothers, Ron (Betty) Orr, Roger (Retha) Orr, Richard Orr; as well as her sister-in-law, Janet Orr and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Myrtle Orr, her husband, Thomas Harvell, brothers, Harry, Larry, and Robert Orr, and sisters, Mary Durbin, JoAnn Harper, and Shirley Orr in infancy.
A visitation will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL. The memorial service will begin at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor Don Bettis officiating.
Memorials in Karen’s honor may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Sutton Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at suttonmemorialhome.com.
