Obituary of Marjorie Sorrell

Mrs. Marjorie Word Sorrell passed quietly at home on June 16, 2022, at the age of 98 following an extended illness. A long-time resident of Ozark, she had recently moved to Dothan due to declining health. Marjorie was a faithful member of the First Ozark United Methodist Church, a devoted and loving wife, a nurturing mother, and an enthusiastic and doting grandmother and great grandmother. She loved travel, reading, gardening and a competitive game of bridge. Visitation will be in the First Ozark United Methodist Church at 9:00 AM Tuesday, June 21, 2022. The funeral service will follow at 10:00 AM in the Church sanctuary with Reverend Dr. Jason Thrower and Reverend Dr. Billy D. Gaither officiating. Interment will be in the Ard Family plot at Claybank Cemetery following the service, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. Marjorie was born in Fort Worth, Texas on January 4, 1924, and grew up through the depths of the great depression on ranches and farms in west Texas and the Texas panhandle. She graduated high school at 14 as the valedictorian of her class. During the heart of World War II, in San Antonio, Texas she met and married Ard Sorrell, the love of her life and her husband for the next 54 years. She settled into her role as a military wife and became the rock upon which her family was anchored. No challenge was too great nor obstacle too formidable. Upon the end of her husband’s military career, she and Ard came to Ozark in 1963 to begin a new chapter in her life. She was active in the First Ozark United Methodist Church, participated in numerous social and service groups and always looked for joy and happiness in every situation. She never met a stranger, and was kind, loving and welcoming to all. She was a great neighbor and a true friend. Marjorie was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Ard Sorrell of Ozark; her parents, John and Madeline Word of Handley, Texas; and her brother David Word of Austin, Texas. Marjorie is survived by her two children, John A. Sorrell and his wife Theresa of Dothan, Alabama and Sue Ann Sorrell Harrison and her husband Jim of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Anne Word Hinche of Denver, Colorado. Marjorie was the proud grandmother/step grandmother of six grandchildren and their spouses: Matthew B. Sorrell and wife Nancy of Union, Kentucky; Kathleen Sorrell Morris and husband John of Dothan, Alabama; Andrew Harrison and wife Haley of Winston-Salem, NC; Jim Harrison and wife Amye of Franklin, TN; Joanna Harrison Bivens of Nashville, TN; and Jayme Harrison Jones and husband Wade of Antioch, TN. Marjorie had and adored fifteen great grandchildren: Anna, Elizabeth, Rebecca, and Benjamin Sorrell; Jay and David Morris; Madeline and Amelia Harrison; Lucas, Jacob, and Emily Harrison; Anna Beth Jones Phillips (Isaiah), Matthew Jones (Alana), and Samuel and Bekah Jones. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Ozark-Dale County Library, 416 James Street, Ozark, Alabama. This was Marjorie’s “happy” place and provided her with hour upon hour of happiness and contentment. Alternatively, donations may be made to the United Methodist Children’s Home, 503 County Road 79, Headland, Alabama 36345. .