Nan Barron Harpole

Nan Barron Harpole obituary, Eatonton, GA

Nan Barron Harpole

Nan Harpole Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 5, 2025.
"All the world's a stage", and we have lost one of its most charismatic actors.

Nan Barron Harpole died quietly and at home with her husband on June 4th at the age of 85. She went out like a lamb but lived life like a lion.

Nan was born March 8, 1940, in Atlanta, Georgia. She attended Druid Hills High School with her life-long sweetheart, Jim Harpole. She attended the University of Georgia where she was a scholar as well as a Dawgs cheerleader alongside UGA I.

She gave willingly and tirelessly to her community and taught English at Tucker High School for 30 years. Her truest gift as a teacher was not only her intellect, but also her desire to give the best education to the students who needed it most. While working at Tucker High School, Nan received her Masters of Education. Her wit and infectious humor made learning fun for many, but her passion was for those who struggled.

Although she loved her students like her own, her commitment to her three children was unwavering. Nan was always first to sign up for any volunteer opportunity to stay involved in the lives of her children and the greater community.

Nan's enthusiasm for life took on many forms. She loved a good party and was well known for her elaborately themed events, especially her Halloween parties. She travelled every continent and never met a stranger. Nan was a collector of all things beautiful and strange. There was never a dull moment when you were around her.

Nan was born to loving parents, Milly and Tom Barron. She is survived by her husband, Jim Harpole, her brother, Tommy Barron, and her three children, Kirk Harpole, Kerry (Harpole) Ankenbrandt, and Mary Margaret (Harpole) Shorter. She was a grandmother to Alex (Harpole) Johst, Tate Ankenbrandt, Mary Claire (Harpole) Mills, Sydney Ankenbrandt, Sarah Shorter, Shannon Shorter, Cole Ankenbrandt, and Shelby Shorter. She was a great grandmother to Ellie Johst. She is also survived by her loving pets Boo and Dooley.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, June 10th at 1:00 PM at Druid Hills Golf Club for all friends and family, 740 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta GA 30307.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the any of the following charities:

Samaritan's Purse: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/

Atlanta Humane Society: https://atlantahumane.org/

Apraxia Kids: https://www.apraxia-kids.org/

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Nan Harpole's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 19, 2025

Derek and Julie Haught posted to the memorial.

June 16, 2025

Ryan Pittman posted to the memorial.

June 10, 2025

Dane Terrell posted to the memorial.

Derek and Julie Haught

July 19, 2025

In the very short time we got to know Nan during our trip to India, we fell in love with her. What a character, full of life and sharp as a tack. I always loved poking Jim that Nan was heading to the gift shop to buy a few more bobbles. Seeing the love and respect the Nan and Jim shared was a revaluation to Julie and I. We can only hope to have what Nan and Jim have shared all these years. Amazing how in such a short time we felt like we had been friends forever. So glad to share this picture of Nan at the Taj Mahal, the reason she went to India. We are better for knowing her. Rest in peace Nan.

Ryan Pittman

June 16, 2025

Nan ... I have so many fond memories of her. She was a beautiful person . There was never a dull moment and we laughed together. She will truly be missed. My condolences to Jim and the family.

Dane Terrell

June 10, 2025

I knew Mrs. Harpole for 9 wonderful years greeting her on the front drive of the Ritz Carlton for all of her spa visits. Her wit was unmatched. She loved her spa fanily as well as the family that was created on the front drive. She is easily one of my all time favorites. I´ll always hold those laughs and conversations close to my heart. Thank you for everything Mrs. Nan Barron Harpole. Until we meet again. Have and extra chocolate martini for me. I love you.

Single Memorial Tree

Jemison Family

Planted Trees

Kenneth Best

June 9, 2025

Nan was a sweet an exceptional Lady she always had a smile on her face when she would come by the office and she would always speak to you Nan never meet a stranger.

My deepest condolences to you and your family

Jozef Stepik

June 9, 2025

Miss Nan was a beautiful person inside out.
We had the privilege knowing her personally and she was always kind and fun to be around. She will always be in our thoughts.
May she rest in peace.
Jozef and Daniela Stepik

Steve and Sue Smith

June 9, 2025

We loved Nan. She was smart,funny, a true friend and mentor. We will miss her always.
Our deepest condolences to the family.

KATHLEEN KING

June 9, 2025

I still have the trinket Mrs. Harpole gave me from one of her trips in my kitchen window. It has been there since she gave it to me. I am a former Ritz Carlton Spa Front desk employee.

Single Memorial Tree

Brian Pachmayer

Planted Trees

Dee Allen

June 8, 2025

Nan Harpole was an exceptional person. I would say "lady" but she would argue that point!
She was a great wordsmith. We had countless conversations about our love of language - especially onomatopoeia.
I will miss her sense of humor, infectious laughter and wit.
We don´t know what Nan´s next adventure will be but I´m sure it will be glorious!

Dee Allen

Ivan Skott

June 7, 2025

I only met Mrs. Harpole a few times, but I know she was loved by her family and friends. To all her family and friends, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy for this great loss. May your memories of her bring you peace.

John & Sandra Cork

June 7, 2025

May the many memories of Nan's busy life help fill the void that her passing has left.

Martin Price

June 6, 2025

We will always remember Nan as friendly to all, funny, encouraging and loyal to her multitude of friends. Nan possessed knowledge and qualities she shared not only with her students but all who met her. A great lady who will be missed but never forgotten.

God Bless,
Marty & Ann Price

Byron Conley

June 6, 2025

Will always love this brilliant funny lady, who love beautiful gardens and and Williamsburg style homes. She had such a love for everything and everyone. Everyone who knew Nan will always know that she loved her gardens with the most beautiful plants. Everyone will always remember her wonderful, crazy personality. What a honor to have met and known Nan Harpole. Celebrate.

Nanette Carnes

June 6, 2025

Jimmy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember her well. My husband, Jimmy Carnes, was your track coach at Druid Hills. I remember those days fondly. I hope you are well. My sympathies to you and your family.

Nancy Kain Mckinnon

June 6, 2025

Rest in peace my friend. May the good Lord be with you always. I hope to see you in the future. Until then

Single Memorial Tree

Jerry and Bonnie Joseph

Planted Trees

Dotty Chilton Riley

June 6, 2025

Nan was in my big sister´s class at DHHS. Her brother Tommy was in mine from 1st -12th grades).I knew them both. She was really one of the most popular girls in school . Looks like she had a wonderful full life. I remember her parents really well,as they were good friends with my parents It´s a wonderful family. Thoughts and prayers to all who mourn her passing, but celebrate her amazing life.
Dotty Chilton Riley(DHHS 63´)

Julius S. Buchanan, Jr.

June 6, 2025

My sympathy to all the family. She was a very sweet lady and will be missed greatly by all who knew her. May God rest her soul.

Bonnie and Jerry

June 6, 2025

Nan was a breath of fresh air wherever she went! She added so much to our lives and touched the hearts of everyone she knew. She always had a smile on her face and a wonderful gift of kindness and love for those that she knew. My life was better for having known her. We pray for strength and peace for Jimmy and family during this time. Go get your well-deserved wings, Nan!

Anna Higdon

June 6, 2025

Mrs. Harpole...SOOO much I can say about you! You were kind, fearless, funny, & one of the most genuine people I've ever known. I love you dearly & cherish all the memories I have of you.

Warm Thoughts Arrangement

James Big Cat Ford

Sent Flowers

James Ford

June 6, 2025

Mrs Harpole lit the stage up every-time she entered room!! I got the privilege to know Mrs harpole through the years working at the ritz-Carlton for several years. She was as selfless as they come!! She was a joy to be around. Didn´t matter if she was having a bad day or things weren´t going her way, she would make sure to brighten yours. To say Ms Nan is going to be missed is an understatement!!! She was loved by all!! I sure am going to miss her!! Mrs Harpole I hope you got those glasses on riding through the sunset to heaven!!! I love you!! To Mr I pray you´re strong through this tough time!! You are a great husband and she was lucky to have you through all those years!!! I pray for the rest of the family as well!! She was the best!! Love you Mrs Harpole!! Sincerely,

Big Cat!!!!!

WILLIAM & CAROLINE MORROW

June 6, 2025

See you on the other side..

Keith Sue-Ling

June 5, 2025

Keith and Carolyn send our condolences. May her soul rest in peace as she go to be with the Lord.

Bridgette Wright

June 5, 2025

I´ve had the honor of working for this sweet lady for about 25 years. I´ve never met anyone as compassionate and caring . I called her my second mom.
I am going to miss her greatly! Praying strength and peace for the family!!

Bonnie and Jerry

June 5, 2025

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Williams Funeral Home - Eatonton

306 N. Jefferson Ave, Eatonton, GA 31024

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Sign Nan Harpole's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 19, 2025

Derek and Julie Haught posted to the memorial.

June 16, 2025

Ryan Pittman posted to the memorial.

June 10, 2025

Dane Terrell posted to the memorial.