Cora Lea Jarrell

Cora Lea Jarrell died at her home at Chesapeake VA on Septembers 8, 2023. She was 88 years old.

Cora was born August 16, 1935 at Van WV. She remained here most of her life, raising her family and serving as an educator for Boone County Schools. She held many classroom and administrative positions, ending her career as the Chapter I Director for Boone County Schools.

After retirement, Cora Lea contracted with the U.S. Department of Education, working to promote and develop literacy programs in underserved areas of the country. Throughout her career she belonged to various educational organizations and received many accolades for her service.

Cora Lea is preceded in death by her parents Herman and Marjorie Abbott, husband Donald Jarrell, daughter Donna Baisden, great grandson Elijah Bowen, son-in-law Saw Wilson, and brother Harold Abbott.

Cora Lea is survived by daughters: Debbie Wilson of Chesapeake, Va and Diana (Tony) McFann of Julian, WV, grand children: Melinda Bowen and Patrick Wilson of Chesapeake, VA, Kyle Blethen of Oak Hill, WV and Adam Blethen of Charleston, WV, great grandchildren: Kyla Blethen, Anthony and Wade Wilson, and Jasper and Vera Blethen.  She also leaves behind her brothers Laurence, Louie Paul, Gary Jo Abbott and sister-in-law Mary Evelyn Abbott and their families which includes 11 Nieces and Nephews.

A private graveside will be held September 16, 2023 at Memory Gardens in Madison, WV. Anyone who would like to celebrate in Cora Lea’s friendship and life is asked to make a donation to the American Heart Association, your local Hospice, or to the Boone County Schoos Reading Council.