Lelia S. Harrell

Lelia Rosalie (Smith) Harrell of Sycamore, Georgia passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Sylvester, Georgia. Lelia was born on August 1, 1929 in Baltimore, Maryland. She was the daughter of the late Jesse Havis Smith and Mary Doris Kaiser, and lived her young years in Baltimore, Maryland under the watchful eye of Mother Bauso.

Lelia relocated to Sycamore, Georgia at the age of 12, and later graduated from Sycamore High School with the class of 1947. During her life she was employed at Manhattan Shirt Company, Walker Manufacturing and later retired from the Turner County School system. Lelia was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted friend to many. She was predeceased by her late husbands P.L. Medlin Jr., John A. Harrell, her son Denny Medlin and her sister Doris Miller.

Lelia is survived by her children Connie Knight (Johnny) of Albany, Tammy Cooper (Alan) of Sylvester; her grandchildren Brandon Cooper (Abbye) of Etna, Wyoming, Cole Medlin (Hannah) of Blakely, Georgia and Carey Cooper of Redding, Connecticut, and her great-granddaughters, Leanna and Sadie Medlin.

Lelia was a faithful, longtime member of Bethel Baptist Church in Sycamore, GA. Her family is grateful for the loving support of Alice Douglas, caretaker, and Hospice of Tift Area for the comfort they provided during the final journey of her life.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, April 3, 2026 at Perry Funeral Chapel with interment to follow in Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will greet friends immediately following the service at the funeral home before departing for the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Lelia’s family requests that you donate to any charity of your choice.