Born in Mason, Tennessee, Airlean Degrafnreid was the beloved daughter of Willie and Rachel Degrafnreid . She accepted Christ early in life and was baptized at Cedar Grove M.B. Church.

On March 1, 1951, she married James Harwell, and together they raised ten children. Affectionally called "Lena," by her husband, Airlean later joined First Baptist Church Keeling, where she served faithfully in the Choir, Pastor's Aide, and Mother's Ministries.

Airlean was a dedicated worker at Cardwell Container where she retired.  In her leisure time, Airlean found joy in gardening, puzzles, and cooking as she would most often prepare extra's because "she never knew who was stopping by".  Her home was a place of warmth, and her love spread throughout the neighborhood often been referred to as the "community mom."

The beloved Airlean Degrafnreid Harwell fought a good fight until the very end.  On September 19, 2025, at Baptist Hospital Tipton, her earthly journey concluded.  She is survived by six daughters: Bobbie Jean (Amos) Topps of Covington, TN; Justine Harwell of Gallaway, TN; Annie Marie (Larry) Jones of Mason, TN; Marian Cleaves of Pocatello, ID; Jearlean (Michael) Thompson of Mason, TN; and Amanda Springfield of Brownsville, TN: three  sons: James Louis (Dorothy) Harwell of Memphis, TN; Clifford (Audrey) Harwell of Mason, TN; and Michael (Natalie) Harwell of Mason, TN.  Sisters: Beatrice Thompson, Mattie Sue Dye, and Mary Edna (John)Goodman; 16 Grandchildren: 21 Great-grandchildren and 1 Great-great-grandchild: a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends and Charlotte Harwell, who will forever cherish her memory.

Airlean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Harwell, her parents, and her daughter, Vickie Garrison. Others who passed before her includes her siblings — John Degrafnreid, Sr., Angie Lee Standback, Elizabeth Fields, Evertine Maclin, Willie Mae Holly, Annie Myrtle Nicholas, and Joe Degrafnreid; three sons-in-law — George Garrison, James Cleaves, and Joseph Springfield; one grandson — Marcus Coleman, and one great-grandson — QuDavious Holly.

Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness lives on in all who were blessed to have known her and be a part of her life.