Corliss (Corky) June Harrell, age 74, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2020, as a result of diabetic ketoacidosis. She was born September 10, 1945 in Belleville Illinois to Robert and Ester (Rohn) Sauer. 

Corky graduated among the class of 1963 from Belleville Township High School having been a member of Future Teachers of America, National Honor Society, and Newspaper Staff. She continued her education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale where she received a degree in the field of education and taught mathematics to students. It was at SUI where she met David Harrell of Watseka Illinois to whom she would become married with for 17 years and have a daughter. 

 She was a woman who valued tradition while keeping an open mind to what could be. Well-versed in both Emily Post and Einstein, she could discuss the concepts of a multi-dimensional universe while baking Christmas cookies from the Betty Crocker cookbook. She was a woman who existed between the perceptions of two worlds. A member of Mensa and of the ‘Officer’s and Civilian's Wives Club’. A homemaker and a leader in the professional arena. Where she fixed her focus she excelled, while advancing those around her. 

She had a passion for developing people to realize their potential. Many that she worked with throughout the years said they attribute personal advancement and success of their projects and goals to her contribution.

Corky believed that anything could be accomplished so long as one could dare to believe it possible and have the discipline to follow through with action. 

 She leaves behind a brother, a daughter, two grandchildren, and one great grand daughter. In at least one person, she leaves an understanding that mathematical odds are to be valued but are not the measure of possibility. That when it comes to matters of the world and of the heart, anything is possible.

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