Mary Dell McKee Harrod

Mary Dell McKee Harrod, 92, of Hamburg, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Ashley County Medical Center in Crossett. Mrs. Harrod was born September 19, 1933 in Wilmot and had been a resident of Hamburg for most of her life. She met the love of her life, Shelby Reid Harrod, Sr., while she was teaching and he was a coach in Tillar. The couple were married in August of 1955 after both accepted teaching positions at Hamburg High School. Mrs. Harrod devoted more than 30 years to the Hamburg School District as a Home Economics teacher, where she inspired generations of students. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years, Shelby Reid Harrod, Sr., just seven days earlier; her parents, Warner Braxton and Audie Haynes McKee; a sister, Yvonne McKee Horne and  brother-in-law, Carl Horn.

She is survived by her two sons, Shelby Reid Harrod, Jr. (Connie), and David Harrod (Peggy), all of Hamburg; her four cherished grandchildren, Christian Harrod (Laura), Alex Harrod (Sydney) and Sarah Harrod, all of Little Rock and Ethan Harrod of South Carolina. She was the proud great-grandmother of Louise Harrod and Amelia Harrod, another great-grandson, Shelby Harrod, expected in September; two nephews, Kenneth Yeager and James Yeager and two cousins, Lynn Stewart and Ann Ratcliff.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church with Dr. Bobby Pennington officiating. Burial will be in the Hamburg Cemetery. Pallbearers are Christian Harrod, Alex Harrod, Ethan Harrod, Austin Fitts, Zac Harper, Scott Borgognoni, Derek Reginelli and Kyle Lassiter. Memorials may be made to the Hamburg Schools Foundation, 202 E. Parker St., Hamburg, AR 71646 or to the Hamburg High School Honors Scholarship, PO Box 30, Hamburg, AR 71646.