By Staff
WILSON — Mary Bland Huff Harwell of The Landing of Wilson left us Thursday September 3, 2009 at 1:55 p.m. for the mansion that Jesus has prepared for her. While we will all miss her deeply we know that she is no longer laboring so hard to breath as she has of late. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Myrtle Huff, her sister, Gilda Huff Padgett and brother Brad Huff. We all can be comforted in knowing that Mary will be reunited with all of her family and friends that have gone on before, especially her beloved grandson, William Chadwick “Chad” Harwell who went to be with the Lord in 1984 at the age of 12.
The sadness that all of us feel is assuaged knowing that her suffering is over. Tears that we shed today are tears of sadness because she is no longer with us here in our earthly home. But in a greater sense they are tears of happiness because of the joy we all feel because of the sacrifice that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, endured so that we can have eternal life. Mary is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, Horace M. Harwell, Sr.; sons Horace M. “Choco” Harwell Jr. and wife, Ellen and William H. “Bill” Harwell and wife, Barbara. She will also be missed by four grandchildren, Mary Lisa Harwell of Charlotte, Daniel Monroe Harwell of High Point, Brian Reid and wife, Gen of Mooresville, and Heather Huxley and husband, Huck of Charlotte, nieces and nephews, Martha Ann, Linda, Bo, Cathy and Jimmy. Mom spoke lovingly of you often. Mary was so proud of her five great-grandchildren, Davis, Hannah, Ansley and Brooks Reid; and a very special light in Mary’s life for the last 14 months was Reid Owen Huxley. God sent you to us and you are truly a blessing, especially for Mary.
Mary was loved by many others of her extended family; Mary Jo and Linda, the daughters that she loved as her own. Their mom, Josephine and Mary were long time friends and Mary often spoke so lovingly of their enduring love and friendship. Michelle and Daniel, Mary thought of you as her grandchildren. Brenda and Bub, Sharon and Velma; Mary loved you and we know that you will miss her. To all the others in Wilson and Chocowinity, Mom cherished all of you. The family is grateful to all for the love and support from Trinity Episcopal Church in Chocowinity and St. Timothy’s in Wilson. The Eastern Star and the Wilson County Shrine Club were sources of great joy and fulfillment over the years.
A service of Celebration of Mary’s life will be held in the Chapel of Joyner’s Funeral Home 4100 Raleigh Road Pkwy NW, Wilson, at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 6. Entombment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park. The Rev. Dr. Joan Vella will officiate. The family would enjoy meeting friends beginning at 2 p.m. at Joyner’s and at The Landing after the committal service.
Flowers are welcome or memorials in her memory may be directed Shriners Hospitals for Children, 403 East Front Street, New Bern, NC 28560-4916 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105.
Condolences may be directed to www.joyners.net.
Paid Obituary