Annette was my second mom. She always greeted me with a big smile, great hug and a small kiss on the cheek.  When I had problems, she was always there with a hug, an ear and often a great dessert. When I had my accident, she was there with mom at the hospital and all I remember was getting so much attention that the nurses could not get close to me. Throughout the many heartbreaks, challenges, and decisions I knew that I could always go to Annette and she would tell me it would be ok and let me stay as long as I wanted. Looking back, I never heard Annette say a bad word against anybody and was always ready to give whatever she had to help others. Fond memories of the van trips, delivering meals to others, Friday night football games and the constant laughing with her partner in crime Virginia. I am a direct product of the love and caring that Annette gave me. Heaven gained a great angel in Annette and I praise God that he put her in my life. I will miss you.

Love
DJ

I first met Annette (Mike’s Mom) back in sophomore year of college.  We were invited over to their home for some type of gaming event.  Annette joyfully opened her home up to us, a pretty big and noisy  group of college kids.  She made me (us) feel right at home in seconds.  She sported one of the biggest smiles I have ever seen.  Over next 30 years or so our paths crossed many times, each and every time it was the same, a warm heart felt welcome and that giant smile.  Even when we visited her at Debbie’s and she was going through some tough health issues.  She was so happy to see us and still with that big smile. 

It is always a wonderful thing to meet and know one of God’s great children.  And everyone that ever meet Annette knew that about her in a flash.  Thanks for all you openness and kindness over the years.


Mom,
Our time together was way too short. As a child you think time will go on forever. I would not be the person I am today without you to talk to about my day. I’ve had many adventures as your daughter. From the family vacations to all the Arts & Craft shows we went to. You introduced me to Church and the way to serve others. You did it not for yourself but to please others. Your happiness was making others happy. You and Dad showed true love to your family.  Friday night shopping and Saturday night eating out was a must growing up. Our home was always welcoming to friends and family. I was always well provided for. I never lacked for anything. These last months having you live with Scott and I have been the best. I loved having dinner with you and watching Hallmark movies. Our talks about family were so supportive. I feel your presence. My heart weeps for one more talk, one more movie, one more day. I may not have been that perfect daughter but you were my perfect Mom. You will never be forgotten!  My children and grandchildren will continue the legacy you started. They will hear all about you for many years to come. They will pass it down for many generations. You are a one of a kind!  I love you my “baby girl”. Thank you for loving me.    Debbie

While interviewing me and Debbie about mother, the minister asked if I had a single great memory about her.  I told him that I didn't.  I have a lifetime of great memories.  

Even though we did so much together over the years, I think it was the quiet times that I treasure most; Me, reading my comic books while she read her romance novels, watching late night movies and mysteries, or just sitting quietly and relaxing.  As much as she enjoyed the company of others, and getting out, she also knew that sometimes you just want to be alone.  We were so comfortable around each other that we could be alone together.

After the funeral, my sister and I got to spend some time with our cousin Jeff after everyone else had left.  We had a great time catching up and reminiscing.  After he had gone, I went to go change for dinner.  While I was getting ready, I reminded myself to be sure to tell mother how great it was to see him, and catch her up on his visit   Then I remembered why he had been here and a great wave of sadness washed over me when I realized I wouldn't able to tell her.

She would do anything for me.  Anything that I ever needed or wanted.  But, honestly, I only ever needed one thing, and that was her love.  Thankfully, I received that in abundance.

Mother, you were greatly loved and will be sorely missed.  My only solace is that you are finally at peace.

My dear Aunt, It is with a heavy heart I write. I cannot say how instrumental you were in my life. Though time and distance were always an issue, we had such great times when we did get together and travelled. From Georgia to Gatlinburg, to Canada to Hawaii, to the Bahamas. Oh my the adventures! Your lust for just going, and going met with my wanderlust and kept us busy. You were such fun to be with! The drive around the whole island of Hawaii took hours and we stopped at every store, antique store, and ice cream place! What fun! You will be missed with so many grand memories.  Thank you for being such a good friend to my Mom. She loved and treasured your visits, your garagesale enthusiasm, and most of all the stops for ice-cream! Promise me we will find those antique stores, garage sales, and ice-cream haunts in heaven. So much peace and love to your family at this time.
Cyndi

Annette was a special lady and will be greatly missed. I did not get to know her too well outside of family events, but I appreciated all our talks. There were never uncomfortable silences. She always made me feel right at home as if we were old friends just catching up on life. She is a reminder of the goodness of life and I will forever be grateful to have known her. 

She wasn't my grandmother by birth but instead by marriage. That didn't really seem to matter to her and I always felt like I was welcome in her home. I often hung out with Mike with Annette chaperoning to make sure we got into an appropriate amount of trouble, remembered to eat and had everything to keep us entertained.
She was a warm and caring lady who often talked with me and made me feel capable and strong when I was young and insecure. I'll miss her counsel, advice and understanding. 

Granny Bells: The one who made the sweetest tea on the planet; the one whose Macaroni and Cheese topped even the finest chefs; the one who took us on vacations and gave us ice cream everyday.  When I hear the word “grandmother” I think of all of those things and many more. She was an extremely intelligent woman whom many admired.  Her ability to finish a crossword puzzle in one sitting was flabbergasting to me!  She loved us all and she knew how to show it. The great-grandchildren looked forward to talking with her everyday, and they loved to share her snacks.  Though she is immensely missed, we are all satisfied in knowing that she is happily in a better place.  We love you Maw Maw.  Thank you for being a friend. 

For the past 14 years she has played such a vital role in my life. I can honestly say that just about everything I needed to know about being a true Southerner I learned from her. From southern hospitality to long drawn out southern goodbyes. Fried green tomatoes to buttermilk with cornbread or even crackers. How many scoops of sugar to make the perfect sweet tea. And no matter how much I prayed for patience it probably wouldn't help b/c she prayed for it ALL the time and it didn't help her after all these years. Back in my retail days she always had me call her when I closed. It didn't matter what time it was, she had to talk to me all the way home to be sure I made it safely. All the great grandkids knew where to go if they wanted to be offered a sweet treat. We all know she had more than one sweet tooth. She was the one you went to with exciting news no matter how big or small. She loved whole heartedly and loved to know the latest gossip. DVR was the best thing since sliced bread to her. She didn't have to worry about setting up the VHS player to record her "programs" I recall many times her calling saying "Jennifer! Jennifer, I need you to go into the living room and make you sure there's a tape in there to record my program!! And be sure it's rewound all the way back!!" And then I would have to go do the same to the VHS player in her bedroom.  It didn't matter what time it was, if you needed someone to talk you, she was just a phone call away. She was more than just my grandmother in law, she was my Mawmaw and my friend. It's so unreal. I love you Mawmaw. More than you'll ever know. "I love you a bushel and a peck. A bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck"

I wrote a few memories as an intro to my podcast MonsterTalk.  Debbie asked me to share it here - but it was too long, so I attached it as an image.  But if you want to hear me read it you can always just go to the episode and listen to the intro.  The show is probably not for everyone - but my tribute to her is all before the opening credits so you can skip all the monster stuff. :)  

Annette helped make me who I am, and I'm proud to have known her and hope I never let her down too much.  The world at large may not notice she's gone, but her absence in my world is enormous. I didn't get to spend as much time with her as I wanted, but I always told her how I felt about her - and still feel about her. 

Mike and Debbie, she lives on in you.  I'm glad for that.

-Blake

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. We will be praying for all of your family.

The "blue light" special at K-Mart and eating at Shoney's on Friday nights are one of the many memories I have of Annie and my family.  She has been an integral part of our family through graduations, weddings, sickness and deaths.  Mama would always call about their latest roadtrips.  She will truly be missed, but I rest in the fact that we will meet again. I am sure Mama and her have had a wonderful reunion and that they are already planning their next adventure.

I just want you to know that I appreciate all you have done for me.   I will never forget all the places we have went, the fun we have had.
I know that you are at peace now and reunited with Uncle Dewey, Mama,  Granny, Paw Paw, Uncle Elmer,   Aunt Betty,  and all your other family members.   I bet you all haven't stop chatting since you got to Heaven!  The great thing is that one day we will all be together.  Debbie and Michael, I know it is so difficult and sad for you now, but you take comfort that your Mom is in no more pain.  We will miss you so much Annie;  you have been such an important and integral part of my, Steve, Lawson and Michaela's life.  I will cherish the memories I have and each and everyone one of those memories will make me smile.    We love you!
Your namesake,
Michele Susan

OBITUARY

Annette (Hufstetler) Harris

29 September, 1939 – 10 September, 2018

Owen Funeral Home

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