By By EDWIN MODLIN II
edwin@wdnweb.com
Staff Writer
Everyone has a place where they can prop up their feet, relax by a fireplace and read a book. It’s a place called “home.”
When you walk into Ruth Harrell’s home, you are not just being welcomed into her residence but into her life, which can be seen in the photos and memorabilia on the walls.
With a childlike laugh and a jovial spirit, she went through the letters and records of her past and brought forth memories of a place full of love and company where she grew up. Ms. Ruth – as she is known – has been through a lot in her 73 years.
She lost her husband to cancer in the early 80’s. Her mother, a brother and then her only child a few years later when he was 28. Through all of her adversity, she has remained positive and worked diligently for the well-being of others.
Harrell has been a servant for the people for more than 55 years, working in local government and devoting her time to helping people in times of crisis. She walked through the challenges of her life that made her who she is, recalling the fondness and love she has of her hometown and the place she grew up – Hyde County – a place she calls home.
It’s no wonder she was awarded the highest civilian honor in the state of North Carolina – The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which was signed by Gov. Beverly Perdue.
According to the Governor’s office, the Long Leaf Pine is presented to North Carolinians who have a proven record of service to the state.
The award is usually given to those after retiring with 30 years of service to the state. However, as in Harrell’s case, the award is presented to those who have performed and displayed exemplary service to the state.
Harrell stayed out in front in her community and was always available to lend a helping hand for anyone who needed help, which she did on countless occasions.
On her list of accomplishments and endeavors, she has several certificates and letters of recommendation from Gov. Jim Hunt. She was also a senior Tarheel Legislature delegate for Hyde County from 2000 to 2005.
She has helped with Meals on Wheels, been an advocate for Hyde’s Focus on Aging initiative and served as vice president for the senior center.
In addition, Harrell also worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and helped the state and federal government get contracts after Hurricane Floyd hit the eastern part of the state, and helped Hyde County to receive federal aide.
“When it comes to disasters, we are more qualified to act now,” she said. “I made it a point to not only help people in my county but the surrounding counties as well.”
Harrell has also worked with the American Red Cross for 20 years, as well as Lake Mattamuskeet’s Moose Lodge, representing Hyde County in the Senior Olympics and winning a gold medal for the county as well.
She was also a Sweetheart Queen at the Senior Center’s Valentine’s Day event in 2000.
She loves to play the piano, play cards and teach Sunday School at Swan Quarter Baptist Church.
Following the death of her son, she immersed herself into her work and helping others. By the time she went home every day, she was exhausted. Her strong desire to help those in need was apparent by the observation of her peers and colleagues, as they noted her with various awards for her dedicated service and voluntary work in her community.
When Harrell was an insurance agent, she covered 10 counties and was constantly working.
“I was on the road,” she said. “I was always on the road. I put many miles on my car. But I helped a lot of people, which is why I did it.”
Harrell was a highly-sought after insurance sales person who credited her success to one thing.
“You have to be honest with people,” she said. “Honesty is what builds who you are. It’s your name and your character. So be honest.”
Her honesty and integrity are displayed in the letters of recommendations from her peers, former employers and those in government.
She was an advocate for fishermen and requested low-lying homes to be raised with government money.
“I’ve just had an amazing life,” she said. “God has just been so good to me.”
Harrell started working when she was 16 and hasn’t stopped since. After graduating from Swan Quarter High School and with three older brothers going to college, her father could not afford to send her to college. So, she worked her way through college at Keys Business School in Norfolk, Va. and Atlantic Christian College where she was enrolled for insurance school. She also took several courses at College of the Albemarle.
She and her husband ran a successful funeral service in Gates County. However, after his passing in the early 1980’s, his wish was for her to sell the business and move back to Hyde County, the place she grew up. A place she started selling insurance.
“Back then, the men didn’t let women run insurance businesses,” she said. “I took the courses and studied for the tests and I ran an insurance business. I was determined.”
The passing of her relatives created a determination and desire within to help others.
“I was a Girl Friday,” she said. “I thought I could conquer the world back then. I just always thought if someone else can do it, then I ought to be able to do it, too.
“Always try. Don’t ever give up. I don’t care how hard things are, don’t you ever give up. You can accomplish anything.”
Harrell added that, at 73, she is very young, she said with a laugh, and is a positive person, not negative.
She has received awards and letters from governors Jim Hunt, Mike Easley and most recently Beverly Perdue. In fact, Harrell receives a photo from Perdue and her family every year.
“It takes a lifetime to establish a reputation and only five minutes to ruin it,” she said. “But I don’t condemn anybody, because we all make mistakes. I’ve made plenty of them. We all have.”
You have to learn through experience, Harrell said. As everyone has their faults and their pitfalls, everyone makes mistakes.
“And I hope I live a little longer so I can make a few more,” she said with a laugh.
On a more serious note, she said, “You don’t dwell on the bad things that have happened to you. You dwell on the good things and always think positive.”
Harrell said she was shocked when she was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
“I have a clue who nominated me,” she said. “But it’s quite an honor. God’s been good to me.”
One of Harrell’s letters of recommendation said, “To meet Ms. Ruth is to know her. And to know her is to love her.”
Harrell said she has always wanted to take the road less traveled. And in doing such, she has shown so many a new path to take. A path that has taken her to the beach and cleaned cottages, and worked for government to being an advocate for her fellow man.
“I hear people saying they want to do things, but never do,” Harrell said. “But most of the time, we do what we want to do. It’s all about setting your priorities and making the time to help others. You never know what you can do unless you try.”