Nelda D. Haralson

Funeral Services: 4pm Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at Ephesus Baptist Church

Visitation will begin at 2pm prior to the service.

Nelda Diane McCraw Haralson was born November 9, 1948, to Lemiel Amon “Boots” McCraw and Beatrice Nelda Gene James McCraw in Newton County, Mississippi.   Diane grew up in the  Pea Ridge Community with her parents and sister, JoAn McCraw Shelley.  She attended Harperville School until she transferred to Scott Central where she graduated in 1966.  Diane then attended East Central Junior College in Decatur, Mississippi in 1966 - 1967 and studied business.  Diane married James Gray Haralson on September 1, 1967.  They were blessed with two daughters, Kimberly Diane Shoemaker (James) and Kathy Jo Pettigrew (Danny).   Diane and James were later blessed with four grandchildren.   Danielle Brooke Gardner (Zach), Johna Bailey Wedgeworth (Derek), Madison Taylor Windham (Trent), and James Dylan Shoemaker (Anna Grace).  

Diane lost the love of her life on June 26, 2006, after 39 beautiful years of marriage.  In more recent years, Diane became a great grandmother to Bentlee William Wedgeworth, Braxlee Dewayne Wedgeworth, Brantlee Zachary Wedgeworth, Kinsley Grace Windham, Trace Andrew Gardner, Avery James Gardner, and Haley Rae Windham.  

Diane was saved and baptized at Ridge Church in her preteen years.  She often played the piano for her home church.  In the early 1970’s she joined Ephesus Baptist Church, where she maintained her active membership until she joined Christ on October 3, 2023.

Diane was known for her cooking skills.  She had a love for reading, growing flowers, and collecting recipes. She was an excellent seamstress, making most of her daughters’ dresses as they grew up.

Diane will be remembered as a sweet, kind, compassionate, and caring Christian woman.  She loved serving God and shared her love by serving others.  

Diane bravely battled pancreatic cancer for almost a year.  She left this world and was completely healed while surrounded by her family in her home on the morning of October 3, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ephesus Cemetery Fund.

OTT & LEE Funeral Home of Forest is honored to serve the family of Nelda Harrison.