Grethel Gardner Harlow

Grethel was born February 25, 1941 in Selma, Alabama to Sadie Pearson Gardner and Jessie Cecil Gardner, Sr. She graduated from A.G. Parish High School in 1958 and Samford University in 1961, then moved to Huntsville and began teaching school. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, John Holland Harlow, Jr., a NASA engineer, and in 1963 they were married.

A loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, “Gretchie,” as she was affectionately called by her precious grandson and many other loved ones, was known for her beautiful smile, her caring, welcoming nature, her sense of fun and festivity, and her sincere soul.

She loved people, travel, adventures, games, theater, and literature. Grethel was a blessing to all who knew her- her kind, tender, loyal heart was a gift from God and she shared it fervently with her family, friends, and community. She was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Athens, served with CASA for 20 years, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, and the Learn-to-Read Council of Athens and Limestone County.

Grethel is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, John H. Harlow, Jr.; son, John H. Harlow, III; daughter, Lydia Cecile Harlow Brooks, and her husband, Kenneth Allen Brooks, Jr.; grandson, Kenneth Allen Brooks, III (all of Athens, Alabama); brother, Jesse Cecil Gardner, Jr., and his wife, Susan (Mobile); and sister-in-law, Judy Harlow Fikes (Athens); as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Sadie Olivia Pearson Gardner Edwards Bolin; her father, Jesse Cecil Gardner, Sr.; her stepfather, Carl Eugene Edwards; her parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. John H. Harlow, Sr., and brother-in-law, William K. Fikes.

A service of worship in celebration of the life of Grethel Lydia Gardner Harlow will be held at Athens First United Methodist Church in the sanctuary on Sunday, September 18th, at 2:00 p.m. The Reverend Kenny Baskins will officiate. McConnell Funeral Home is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Athens First United Methodist Church; Manna Meals Ministry at Athens First United Methodist Church; Hospice of Limestone County; or your favorite charity.