Picayune school board remembers Brent Harrell at meeting

At last night’s meeting of the Picayune School District Board of Trustees, Superintendent Dean Shaw opened the meeting with a statement about Assistant Superintendent Mr. Brent Harrell who unexpectedly passed away on Monday.

"Mr. Harrell will be missed greatly by everyone in the Picayune School District. His love and passion for all employees and students was immeasurable. If not the most knowledgeable educator / administrator in the state of Mississippi, then he was one of the top five. The Picayune School District was fortunate and blessed to have him as a friend and a leader for 48 years,” Shaw stated.

Brent Harrell (standing) reviews a document with Board President Frank Ford during the April 9, 2019 meeting.

Earlier in the afternoon at Harrell’s graveside service, his pastor, Dr. Brad Arnett of Harmony Baptist Church, told those gathered of three great passions that were present in Brent’s life: Education, cooking, and playing the piano.

Arnett said Harrell was a tireless worker who demonstrated his commitment to education by being at work early and sometimes coming back late to do what was necessary for the district.

Arnett asked those present if they had enjoyed food that Brent had cooked and almost every hand was raised acknowledging they had been the beneficiary of a meal, a dish, or a dessert prepared by Mr. Harrell.

Arnett told of Brent’s dedication to his church serving as pianist for 57 years and that Harrell had played during services on Sunday.

Harrell was 70 years old and is survived by his brother, Byrle Harrell of Poplarville.