Cleo Hartsell

Cleo Smith Hartsell of Midway Road near Norwood left this world to enter a far better one on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at her home. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Many will also remember her for the years she held ceramics classes in her shop near Porter. She had been in declining health for the last few years, but until well after her 90th birthday she lived a vigorous and independent lifestyle. Visitation will be Thursday, January 7, 2010 at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral service will be Friday, January 8, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at Porter Baptist Church with a 30 minute state burial to follow at Porter Community Cemetery. Born September 7, 1914, in Stanly County, she was the daughter of S. J. and Mattie Deese Smith. She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Hartsell, two stepdaughters Doris Brewer and Nancy Hartsell, and two brothers John Ray Smith and James Hugh Smith. She is survived by two daughters, Carol Hopkins of the home and Marian Shell and husband Al of Blountville, Tennessee. Also surviving are grandchildren and step grandchildren Kelli Noel and husband Obed, Chad Hopkins and wife Beth, Michael Harward, Sherron Barbee, David Stamper and wife Penny, Steve Stamper, Kathy McCraw and husband Ronnie, Frank Alvey, Tim Davis and wife Evon, and numerous great grandchildren many of whom were the joy of her later life. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Stanly County or Gideons International.