Longtime Nashville Volunteer and Master Gardener Roxie Harwell Dies at 91

Harwell was an active member of the Provost Guard Ladies of Al Menah Shrine Temple and a devoted member of Brook Hollow Baptist Church.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:09pm

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus photograph depicting a blurred, dreamlike scene of a lush, vibrant garden, conceptually representing the life and legacy of Roxie Harwell.The passing of longtime Nashville volunteer and Master Gardener Roxie Harwell leaves a void in the community she served for decades.Houston Today

Roxie M. Harwell, a 91-year-old resident of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026. She is survived by her son Michael Harwell, two grandsons, and was preceded in death by her husband Joe Harwell. Roxie had a dedicated career as a Medical Technologist and was an active volunteer with the Nashville chapter of Master Gardeners and the Provost Guard Ladies of Al Menah Shrine Temple.

Why it matters

Roxie Harwell's life exemplified a commitment to community service, gardening, and her faith. Her passing marks the end of an era for several Nashville-area organizations that she supported over many decades.

The details

Roxie Harwell was born in Hot Springs, Virginia in 1934 and graduated from Mary Washington College and the Medical College of Virginia. She worked as a Medical Technologist at Frist, Scouville and Kochtitzky Clinic in Nashville and Vanderbilt University Medical Center before retiring. Roxie was a certified Master Gardener and longtime volunteer with the Nashville chapter of Master Gardeners. She was also an active member of the Provost Guard Ladies of Al Menah Shrine Temple, where she assisted her husband Joe during his multiple terms as Chairman of the Al Menah Potentate's Ball. Roxie and Joe were devoted members of Brook Hollow Baptist Church.

  • Roxie Harwell passed away on April 1, 2026.
  • Her family visitation will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 10:00 AM, with graveside services to follow at 11:00 AM.

The players

Roxie M. Harwell

A 91-year-old resident of Houston, Texas who had a dedicated career as a Medical Technologist and was an active volunteer with the Nashville chapter of Master Gardeners and the Provost Guard Ladies of Al Menah Shrine Temple.

Michael Harwell

Roxie Harwell's son, who lives in Houston, Texas.

Joe Harwell

Roxie Harwell's beloved husband of 62 years, who passed away before her.

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The takeaway

Roxie Harwell's life was dedicated to serving her community through her volunteer work, gardening expertise, and faith. Her passing marks the end of an era for several Nashville-area organizations that benefited from her decades of involvement and leadership.