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Ferdie Jean Harrell

4/26/1940 – 7/5/2026

Obituary For Ferdie Jean Harrell

Ferdie Jean Harrell of Littlerock Arkansas, Journey started in San Francisco CA in 1961, where she purchased a home and raised her three children.

She began her career in retail. In 1981, she fulfilled her entrepreneurial dream by opening Ruth’s Children’s Shop, a thriving business in San Francisco’s Portola District. Through her hard work, generosity, and commitment to her community, Jean became a respected leader and pillar of the neighborhood. Her contributions were recognized by three San Francisco mayors: Dianne Feinstein, Gavin Newsom, and London Breed.

Jean Harrell is survived by Daughters: Kimberly Y. Harrell, Erminia Benetiz (Dexter), Granddaughters: Nikeisha Harrell, Ashley Beneitz, Great Granddaughter Marlee Harrell, Sisters: Pastor Ernestine (Robert) Thomas, Veronica Ayers, Virginia (Alvin Carroll SR.) Sister in Law, Lois Johnson, Brothers: Taalib-Din (Phyllis) Aquil, Bishop Silas (Cheryl) Bonus, Children: Jepusee Rodriguez, Tangela Carroll, Esperanza Hernandez, Rose Lakew, Sons: Frederick Thomas, Mario Rodriguez, Alvin Carroll Jr. Cousins: Dollie Hamilton (Dan), Debra K Oliver Patterson (Michael), Nieces, Nephews, and a host of family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Ernest (Velma) Johnson, Ruth Edwards Wash, Sons: Ricky B Johnson, Roger D Harrell, Sisters: Minnie Noel, Carolyn Tate, Brother: Anthony Johnson.

Services will be on:
July 31, 2026 10:00 am
at Matthew Zion Missionary Baptist Church,
2340 San Bruno Ave, San Francisco, CA

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Condolences

07/16/2026

Lessie Drummer-Johnson

Gone but not forgotten. We love you but God love you best. Praying for the family.
07/16/2026

Lessie Drummer-Johnson

I started buying clothes from Jean when see was on Fillmore then she moved to Ocean Ave. One day Jean and I was talking and I said Jean you always telling and talking to people about stepping out on faith, she looked at me with that seriously smile so I said why don’t you step out on faith and buy your shop. She just smile, about 3 months later she said she stepped out on faith and she has her own shop and she will be moving to her own shop on San Bruno. I always stop in or go by and take her fish etc. I worked with Jean and I brought all my grandkids clothes there also godchildren. Great grandchildren relatives and other people children there clothes there. In matter she was complaining about her Sunday school book had small prints so I order her a Sunday school book with larger letters. She will be missed.