Clara Belle Hartley

Clara Bell Braswell Hartley passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 2, 2024. It was her desire to be at home during her final days and her grandson, Sheldon Brooks (Michelle), made sure that she received this final wish. She was born the second child to Nolia Aldridge and Balsom Braswell of Newland and grew up with her older sister, Mae Braswell Brooks, and younger brother, Mose Braswell. During her first marriage to Junior Hicks, she moved away from her beloved mountains as he served in the military. She returned home to raise her daughter, Rhonda Kaye Hicks, in Newland. Rhonda preceded Clara in death in 2019. Clara married Robert Hartley in March 1975 and moved from Newland to Linville. Clara spent her life being a caregiver to others, including her parents, sister Mae, brother Moses, and many others. Until she could no longer attend, Clara was very dedicated to the Church of Jesus Christ in Newland and to Linville United Methodist Church. People always wanted to know what Clara brought to any fellowship gathering because she was an exceptional cook. She treated her stepchildren as if they were her own and enjoyed holidays and special occasions with her family, especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren. Whenever any of them visited her, she always tried to make their favorite dish. Clara loved Country and Gospel music and often sang as she cooked. She was dedicated to Jesus and steadfast in her faith. Two of her favorites were Elvis Presley and George Jones. As a hobby, Clara and Robert loved to garden, can their vegetables, and share with others, along with her freshly baked sourdough bread. Robert passed away in 2011. Clara showed her love and Jesus love by serving others. Clara also loved flowers and expressed her desire for people to bring them to her while she was living so she could enjoy them. So, her children and grandchildren often visited with flowers in hand. She never failed to say, "I appreciate you" and "I love you." She always wanted to know what each child had going on in their lives and offered words of encouragement.Clara leaves behind her devoted grandson, Sheldon Brooks (Michelle), four step-children, Linda Hartley Burton (Paul Cameron), Patty Hartley Kincaid, Bob Hartley (Shay), and Christy Hartley Gliddon (Fred), along with a host of other grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She is also preceded in death by one stepdaughter, Dr. Dianna Hartley. May we all learn from Claras example of serving others and use our talents to do the same. Family, friends and pallbearers will gather at the funeral home on Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 9:15 am - 10:15 am. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am in the Tanglewood Cemetery with Pastor Steve Turbyfill officiating.The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to the Staff of Amorem Hospice and Palliative Care and to Melissa Blair and her family for the years she spent helping "Miss Clara." In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Amorem Hospice 902 Kirkwood St NE Lenoir NC 28605 or Tanglewood Cemetery PO Box 336 Linville, NC 28646.Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Hartley family by visiting our website www.rsfh.netThe care of Clara and her family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland.(828) 733-2121
Visitation
Thursday, August 8, 2024
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home
296 Ash Street
Newland NC 28657
US
(828) 733-2121
(828) 733-2401
Graveside Services
Thursday, August 8, 2024
11:00 AM -
Tanglewood Cemetery
520 Tanglewood Cemetery Rd.
Linville NC 28646
US
Funeral Home
Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home
296 Ash St
Newland NC - 28657
US
(828) 733-2121
(828) 733-2401 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Clara, please visit our Tree Store.