Rachel was born Margaret Rachel Hill December 8, 1967 in Houston, Texas. A military child, she lived all over the United States from California to Virginia and all over the world from Japan to Italy.  But no matter where she woke, she was utterly southern.  In school, she was on the rifle drill team, the basketball team, and the cheerleading squad.

As an adult, Rachel worked in the human resources field where she was sought after for her inspirational speeches and innovative ideas. At the time of her death, she was pursing a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies at The University of Virginia with a focus in Political Science so that she could further her reach through non-profit work.

Rachel was beautiful, but that was the least of things. She was a vocal advocate for the underdog. She was a passionate feminist and a proud Democrat. She listened. She did not judge the flawed or the makers of mistakes; in fact, she preferred them. She was a superb gift giver. She was hilarious. She was a romantic, but with an edge. She loved Quentin Tarantino movies and coffee. She was usually late.

As a daughter, Rachel was a delight and incomparably sweet.  That sweetness notwithstanding, she was fiercely protective of her family and friends, especially her children.  She told friends she was fine waiting however long it took for her knight in shining armor to arrive and he did, by plane.  She married her “hot husband” (her words) on November 6, 2010.

Rachel’s religion was kindness.  She was an organ donor, and so even in her death she is still helping people.  She is the inspiration for the Rachel Harrell Memorial Fund.

“There are only two mantras, yum and yuck, mine is yum.” – Tom Robbins, Still Life with Woodpecker

Contributed lovingly by Annabel Oakes, Rachel’s sister