Netta Mae Hartley

Mrs. Hartley was preceded in death by her husband, Vell Hartley, Jr.; son, Ronald G. Hartley; parents, Holly Clay "H.C." and Mary Ella Hughey Brown; and a host of brothers and sisters, Gertrude Brown, R. A. Brown, Lucy Brown Garrett, Eloise Brown Hastings, H. C. Brown, Audrey Brown Richardson, Aubrey Brown, and Douglas Brown.

She is survived by her daughter, Gayle H. Turner (Perry); daughter-in-law, Camille Hartley; son, Danny C. Hartley; grandchildren, Paige Turner Johnson (Brent), Blake Hartley (Kaleigh), Brock Hartley (Haley), Jason Smith, and Kristen Smith; and great-grandchildren, Tyler, Turner, Kate and Evelyn Anne.

Netta Mae Brown Hartley was born May 7, 1925, and will be celebrating her 95th birthday in heaven with her beloved husband, Vell, and her precious son, Ronald. She departed this world, and all of us on Tuesday, April 21st.

What a blessing it has been that she was able to live a completely independent life until just three short weeks ago when she moved from her home at Clara Verner. Over the thirty years that she lived there, she touched many lives and made many life-long friends. We fondly called her “Miss Clara Verner” because we think she thought she owned the place or at least had some ownership because of the longevity of time she spent there. We know the residents will agree, that the lobby table will harbor sweet memories of Netta and Mrs. Nellie Hamner coloring in their books and playing intense games of “Hand and Foot”!

Netta was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa. She always treasured her beloved Sunday School Class taught by Mr. George Hodgson, her Triple L group, and the friendships and staff who ministered to her for so many years. She joined Taylorville Baptist in June 2019 so that she would be able to attend church with family. Taylorville Baptist ministered to her in a most precious way even though the time she was able to come was little. She enjoyed the visits, cards and phone calls from the people at Taylorville. She had fond memories of the Prime-Timers annual fish fry and the many women’s ministry events she was able to attend.

Netta’s dedication was first to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We have collected journals where she logged daily family events for years, and she always dedicated the day to Jesus and thanked Him and gave Him the glory for EVERYTHING! She also was deeply dedicated to family. She married Vell on Valentine’s Day 1942! Until the day he drew his last breath, September 6, 1987, he was the love of her life. From their marriage, Ronald, Gayle, and Danny were born. Each child was born nine years apart!

Netta’s pride was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren! Paige Turner Johnson, born to Gayle and Perry Turner, Blake and Brock Hartley born to Danny Hartley and Dana Hartley Oglesby, and Jason and Kristen Smith brought to her by Ronald and Camille Hartley’s blended family! Paige and Brent Johnson, brought Netta’s great-grandchildren, Tyler, Turner and Kate! Blake and Kaleigh Hartley brought Netta a great-grandchild, Evelyn Anne, born April 21, 2019. She had the pleasure of babysitting her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren, and she would tell you those were some of her fondest memories and happiest days! The children were blessed too, and they fondly named her “GaGa”, “Gran-Gran” and sometimes shortened to just “Gran”! They too will speak of those fun days and memories with her as she always made every moment special! And she cooked great food for them! We think that great cooking lead Blake and Brock to become wonderful chefs today! What a legacy!

The family draws great strength and peace in knowing that Netta is in heaven with loved ones and is enjoying the Glory of God! She would want each of you reading this to know that through accepting Jesus Christ as Lord Savior of your Life you will be freely given Grace, Redemption, Hope of Eternal Life, and Unconditional Love and Peace. John 3:16 “For God so loved the World, that He gave his only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believes in Him will have Everlasting Live!

Rest in Peace sweet Netta Mae – Mother, GaGa, Gran-Gran, Gran! You taught us to love, and we love you!

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Taylorville Baptist Live Nativity Fund.