Melzie Hartsell

Melzie Inez Simpson Hartsell, 96, of Harrisburg, NC, passed away on March 29, 2021 after many years of declining health.

She was born in Union County, NC. Melzie graduated from New Salem High School. She also received a degree in Nursing from Rowan Tech. She was married to Clyde Columbus Hartsell, Sr. who proceeded her in death.

She was a charter member of Providence Baptist Church of Harrisburg, NC. She was also the oldest living member of the church.

She was proceeded in death by her son, Jeffery Karl Hartsell, of Midland, NC. She was survived her son, Clyde C. Hartsell, Jr. and wife Jean of Cleveland, GA; daughter, Sharon Hartsell Carter and husband Wade of Concord, NC; son, James Daniel Hartsell and wife Linn of Concord, NC; 6 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and 5 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements will be at Hartsell Funeral Home in Harrisburg, NC on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Receiving of family/friends will take place from 11am-12:45pm. The service will immediately follow at 1pm in the funeral home chapel, officiated by Reverend Rody Carland. Burial at Mission Baptist Church in Locust, NC will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Lake Norman, NC, 705 Griffith Street, Suite 203, Davidson, NC 28036.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Hartsell family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com


You were my last grandparent and you made it to the age of 96, thus making you pretty resilient.

There towards the end of your battle you wouldn’t give up- you were nothing short of persistent.

When I was a little girl I remember watching HeeHaw with you and PawPaw late at night.

You wouldn’t let me sleep late, as you were up cooking breakfast at the first crack of light.

We’d go to the auction on Saturday night and I’d watch y’all buy lots of countless things.

You still have lots of those things and you’re fairly confident that the baby dolls have lots of money to bring.

I loved our summer beach trips to the Penthouse that we done for so many countless years.

I’ll never forget you jumping onto that air mattress in the ocean- that made me laugh to tears.

You were certainly very active even at your older age and used to constantly be doing stuff around the clock.

You’d get outside in the yard and rake leaves and even once in a while you’d walk the Plaza block.

After dad disabled your car you’d even walk to Lunch Plus at the church to be with your friends.

You aggravated him about your car because you thought you should be driving even near the end.

The dementia took over your mind slowly and even made you sometimes forget our names.

We would ask you your birthdate, your name, who our President was- but you didn’t like those games.

Animals made you happy and in the end you loved watching them on your big TV.

I would even bring Chewie over with me because she’d make you delighted as could be.

Even though you thought Chewie was your old dog named Rosie- you were very confused.

I could see that you enjoyed her company- you would be thoroughly enthused.

Late last year the cops had to help us locate you when you decided to run away from home.

Not long after that we allowed Elmcroft to help care for you- no more could you roam.

While in the nursing home, you caught the dreaded, nasty virus called COVID-19.

After you no longer were testing positive they brought you home to find you were very weak and lean.

During the last three weeks your health seemed to rapidly diminish with each passing day.

We weren’t sure you could even hear us when we spoke to you, for there was nothing you could say.

You always wanted me to write your poem while you were here so you’d know how it read.

But I have no doubt that you’re up there above and you hear exactly what was just said.

It’s only good-bye for now as we shall all meet again one glorious day.

We all love you and will hold on to your memories while you are close but far away.

Love Your Granddaughter,
Shanna Hartsell Tadlock