Marian Jeanette Harvey, 74, passed away peacefully with her loving son, David R. Waters at her side on April 10, 2026.
Born in Evansville, Indiana, Ms. Harvey was the daughter of Reverend Dr. Wardelle G. Harvey, Sr., retired pastor, civil rights activist, and politician, and Ms. Josephine B. Harvey, Charter Member of Greater Love Church and Manager for the Paducah Housing Authority.
Ms. Harvey accomplished much during her lifetime. As a graduate of Paducah Tilghman High School and Murray State University, she became a successful businesswoman with a distinguished career at BellSouth and AT&T. Following her retirement from AT&T, Ms. Harvey completed a post- graduate degree from the University of Louisville and embarked on second career in education, shaping young lives as a teacher and assistant principal with Jefferson County Public Schools.
But above all, Ms. Harvey was a devoted and dedicated servant to God. She was raised in the church, where she shared her musical gifts in the choir, playing the piano and organ. Next to her faith, Ms. Harvey’s family was the light of her world. There was nothing she enjoyed more than being “Mom” and “Granny Nette.” She always told her children, “I love you to the moon and back, a gazillion times over.”
Ms. Harvey was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Wardelle G. Harvey, Sr. and Ms. Josephine B. Harvey; stepmother, Mrs. Christine Petersen Harvey; and brother William F. Harvey, who died in infancy.
She is survived by her children: Bishop Jonathan J. McReynolds (Princess) of Boise, ID, Whitney J. Waters of Washington, D.C., and David R. Waters (Alexandra) of Dallas, TX; six grandchildren: Jontevian J. McReynolds (Joanie Beth), Adijah McReynolds, Prince McReynolds, Kobbi McReynolds, Isabella Waters, and Julian Waters; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Wardelle G. Harvey, Jr. of Paducah, KY, stepsister, Dionne Jones of Memphis, TN and one aunt: Loretta Smith of Mt. Vernon, IN.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 12:00 noon at the New Greater Love Church with Bishop LaRita Horton-Addison and Bishop Jonathan J. McReynolds officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.
Family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in her honor.
You may light a candle or leave online condolences at pettusrowlandfh.com.
Born in Evansville, Indiana, Ms. Harvey was the daughter of Reverend Dr. Wardelle G. Harvey, Sr., retired pastor, civil rights activist, and politician, and Ms. Josephine B. Harvey, Charter Member of Greater Love Church and Manager for the Paducah Housing Authority.
Ms. Harvey accomplished much during her lifetime. As a graduate of Paducah Tilghman High School and Murray State University, she became a successful businesswoman with a distinguished career at BellSouth and AT&T. Following her retirement from AT&T, Ms. Harvey completed a post- graduate degree from the University of Louisville and embarked on second career in education, shaping young lives as a teacher and assistant principal with Jefferson County Public Schools.
But above all, Ms. Harvey was a devoted and dedicated servant to God. She was raised in the church, where she shared her musical gifts in the choir, playing the piano and organ. Next to her faith, Ms. Harvey’s family was the light of her world. There was nothing she enjoyed more than being “Mom” and “Granny Nette.” She always told her children, “I love you to the moon and back, a gazillion times over.”
Ms. Harvey was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Wardelle G. Harvey, Sr. and Ms. Josephine B. Harvey; stepmother, Mrs. Christine Petersen Harvey; and brother William F. Harvey, who died in infancy.
She is survived by her children: Bishop Jonathan J. McReynolds (Princess) of Boise, ID, Whitney J. Waters of Washington, D.C., and David R. Waters (Alexandra) of Dallas, TX; six grandchildren: Jontevian J. McReynolds (Joanie Beth), Adijah McReynolds, Prince McReynolds, Kobbi McReynolds, Isabella Waters, and Julian Waters; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Wardelle G. Harvey, Jr. of Paducah, KY, stepsister, Dionne Jones of Memphis, TN and one aunt: Loretta Smith of Mt. Vernon, IN.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 12:00 noon at the New Greater Love Church with Bishop LaRita Horton-Addison and Bishop Jonathan J. McReynolds officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.
Family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in her honor.
You may light a candle or leave online condolences at pettusrowlandfh.com.
