James Steven Moody Harrell age 38 of Union City, TN. (Formerly) of Dyersburg pass on from this life Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, TN. Arrangement are entrusted to McCreight Funeral Home. A walk through Visitation will be held Friday, August 14, 2020 5:00pm-7:00pm at McCreight Funeral Home 1607 Hornbrook St. Dyersburg, TN. DUE TO CDC GUIDLINES AND COVID-19 YOU MUST HAVE A MASK ON TO ENTER THE FUNERAL HOME. A PRIVATE SERVICE WILL BE HELD ON Saturday, August 15, 12:Noon at the Funeral Home. Burial will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery in Dyersburg, TN.

If joy is found in brimming smiles and deep, soulful gazes, we know that James Steven Moody Harrell was the embodiment of miraculous joy. Steven entered this world on November 30, 1981. God entrusted him to the kind-hearted, loving care of Sharon and Tony Harrell, both exceeding their calls as Steven's guides for his 38-year journey.

Living far longer than ever imagined, Steven's life was full with people who loved him—day one. Some might say he was a bit spoiled even. Steven's encounters changed hearts. It was seen in the advocacy of teachers and friends from Dyersburg Primary to Lake Road Elementary and CDS/St. Johns in Union City, TN; armies of doctors and care teams; his Ross UMC family (witness to his childhood sermons/piano solos); and the countless family members/friends who pushed strollers, pulled wagons, took rides, babysat or just sat, cooked chicken, tater tots, pancakes, eggs, French toast bites, and yes—hot dogs! at all hours—day or night. Even strangers were compelled to cover restaurant bills, pray with/for them, allow their children to interact and be educated, or simply offer a gentle smile. Steven warmed hearts and spaces. Memories that cement his legacy.

In his later years, Steven lived the retired life, though he would not have known to call it that. He had given up his nicotine-free smoking (the middle portion of a deconstructed sponge roller) early in life. 😊 He enjoyed his leisure time sitting in his chair, working his puzzles, or reading his books. You might catch him napping while watching Sanford & Son, The Price is Right, or Fraggel Rock. He tolerated kids at his choosing. Otherwise, with love and amusement he yelled at them. Nieces and nephews sat on his lap only to be repeatedly pushed…across the room. They laughed. He cut his eyes, gave a soft grin, maybe laughed—his call. As his body aged, his vocabulary became more…we'll call it colorful. Likely a stress-reliever for Steven. Simultaneously driving his parents mad and sometimes shaming them out of Sunday service. But God knows our hearts. He definitely knew Steven's. "Steven" stories are a treasure box of laughter and shenanigans. His was a full life.

Reading this sounds like a normal life, cut short. To know Steven, his life was anything but. He was special needs and truly a miracle—never expected to live to the age of five, then eight. He created a special need in our lives. Steven had a rare seizure disorder that altered the course of our lives. He held us accountable for daily gratitude. God granted us joyful decades beyond medical expectancy.

Steven is now in the care of his grandparents, James and Elizabeth Moody and Wayne Harrell, several aunts, uncles, family members and very special friends.

Steven leaves to cherish his memory his parents, Sharon and Tony Harrell; grandmothers, Carlene Harrell, Artie Pledge, and Dorotha Dewalt; a very special great-aunt, Loretta Dunivant, sisters/chief protectors, Toya Werkheiser (Robert), Destiny Harrell, LaBreia Harrell, LaShawda Armstrong, and NaKeasha Armstrong; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members. Moreover, there is a long list of especially important people that loved Steven and contributed extensively to his well-being. You are our community and you know who you are. You may share your memories and condolences with the family at www.mccreightfuneralhome.com . A Legacy of Life, Every Life is worth Remembering. McCreight Funeral Home is truly honored to service the Moody & Harrell families. McCreight Funeral Home 1607 Hornbrook St. Dyersburg, TN 38024 731-286-4810.