Willarree Thomas Hartsell

Willarree Thomas Hartsell, 89, of Charlotte, died at her home on Wednesday, November 6, 2013. Willarree was born in Cedar Falls, NC, on July 13, 1924, the daughter of Alson and Sylvinia (nee Johnson) Thomas. The youngest daughter, she grew up there in the house known for its more famous resident, Edward Murrow. Later , she moved to the big city of Charlotte to follow her big sisters. When the United States entered World War II, Willarree became a true “Rosie the Riveter”. She helped on the home front by working at the Charlotte shell plant, making ammunition for our U.S. Armed Forces. While employed there, she met her future mother-in-law, Mrs. Emma Hartsell. Mrs. Emma took it upon herself to play matchmaker and introduced Willarree to her son, Reese. In March of 1946, Reese and Willarree were married in York, South Carolina, and the rest, as they say, is history. Willarree and Reese lived at 611 Austin Drive in Charlotte, a house that they physically built shortly into their marriage. She built it, raised her family in it, and ultimately, it was the earthly home she was in when she was taken to Heaven. While devoted to being a mother, Willarree also worked at the Chadbourn Hosiery Mill where she supervised the Ad Department. Willarree loved her country roots. She could often be found gardening, canning, and cooking. Her nine pecan and one walnut tree in her yard provided her days of cracking pecans and making the pecan pies which she was famous for. Most of all, Willarree loved her family and friends, especially the delight that she took in her grandchildren and by all children in general. She will be sadly missed by her family and all who knew this gentle loving soul. Willarree is survived by two children: Robert Reece Hartsell and Vicki Wiley; a sister, Obera; and four grandchildren: Elizabeth “Beth” Gordon, Kara Wiley, Devin Hartsell, and Reece Hartsell. She is further survived by five great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, and numerous other family and friends. As pets were a big part of her life, she also leaves behind her beloved Cricket. Willarree was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Reece McDonald Hartsell; two brothers, Otis and an infant brother; and six sisters: Myrtle, Eva Lee, Willie “Bill”, Reita, Hallie, and Inez. Willarree’s family has given Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home, 4715 Margaret Wallace Road, Matthews, NC, the privilege of serving them at this time. Friends are invited to join with the family for a service of remembrance at the funeral home chapel at 10:00 AM on Friday, November 8, 2013. After the services by Pastor Doug Parlin have concluded, Willarree will be taken to her final place of earthly rest next to her husband at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens, 1504 W Sugar Creek Road, Charlotte. There the family will receive guests following the graveside service. Vicki and family would like to acknowledge with deep appreciation and love the services of those whom without their help, Willarree would not have been able to spend her final days at home. Those who they would like to recognize include Ericka, Veira, and Hospice and Palliative Care of Charlotte as well as the crew of Charlotte Fire Station 15 Shamrock Express who came to help so many times. The kindness, care, and compassion shown by all of you will not be forgotten. In memory of Willarree, the family would like any memorials made in Willarree’s name be given to either of these two organizations. As her granddaughter, Beth, put it so eloquently at the grand age of 4, “Me-Mothers are for loving and making nut pies.” With love and honor, here is her recipe for all to share: WILLARREE’S PECAN PIE Preheat Oven to 350 degrees One unbaked pie shell Mix together - 3 eggs - ¾ cup of sugar - ¾ cup of Karo dark syrup - 2 tbs of melted butter - 1 tsp of vanilla - 1 ½ cup of pecans (she liked her chopped) Pour into pie crust and bake for an hour, then cool for two hours….. Enjoy! THE ANGEL’S DANCE The Angels gently stepped in tune As they swayed and danced around my room, They flowed in rhythm and total praise As to God their voices and hands they raised. They bowed down low before His throne Where their song forever has its home, With strength and might they seem to say ‘All Glory to God’ throughout the day. At night when all the lights are low Their movements seem to somehow slow, Their brilliant white shown like the sun At morning light they were still not done. They twirled as dawn began to break And all the earth joined in their praise, Within my rom they seem to say On street of gold we’ll dance one day. In brilliant splendor their dance went on As from my bed I heard their song, I watched in awe as the scene unfolds Of the Angels God sent to bring me home! ~10.13.04~ R. Ayscue

Willarree Thomas Hartsell

July 13, 1924 - November 6, 2013