Gay Hartsell Irvin

Gay H Irvin Gay H Irvin was born October 13, 1932 in rural Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Her parents were HJ (Herbert Jackson) Hartsell and Delette Black Hartsell, who were hard working farmers during the Great Depression. She was one of seven siblings, with three brothers and three sisters. Growing up she had a life of hard work in the fields, being self sufficient farmers.

She also had a great deal of adventure, exploring the woods, swimming in the creek, and playing with her siblings. She was known for her gentle spirit and her strong opinions. Her family also valued church and education. She attended Bethel Methodist Church and made a commitment to Christ as a teenager. She was a lifelong Christian whose life was marked by gentleness, especially toward the least of these, particularly small children.

She completed high school at Bethel High School where she was active in academics, cheerleading, drama, and was also the May Queen. She completed one year of college and then worked at Columbia pictures in Charlotte to help support her family. In 1954 she married James M Irvin, who was then a junior at UNC-CH and moved to Chapel Hill. After he graduated, she and Jim had a wonderful adventure as he had several jobs, including 2 years active duty US Army, and other jobs in education, job training, and services for the blind. He worked in both private and government jobs until his retirement.

Gay was devoted to the raising of her two children, Steve and Julie. She taught them how to be kind, to tell the truth, and the value of education. She loved to read to her children. When the children were older she returned to the work force and retired from a career in state government in 1994. She was known for her hard work and made many friends over the years. During her retirement she and Jim enjoyed a great deal of traveling, both on their own and with the Lions International.

Gay’ s relationship with her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her great joy and are likely highlights of her life. She visited them frequently and knew them well. Her 12 grandchildren will always remember her fondly. She also has 21 great grandchildren whom she enjoyed spending time with. Even in her last days, while she was home in hospice, she was able to enjoy visits with them. Gay dearly enjoyed her beach house at North Myrtle Beach where she spent a great deal of time over the 30 years. She had many happy memories there visiting with her siblings, children, and grandchildren.

Back at her home in Cary where she lived for more than 50 years, Gay enjoyed decorating her home but particularly enjoyed working outside in her flower garden. Despite several serious health problems in her retirement years, she faced her difficulties with grace and determination. When her husband passed away in 2021, after 67 years of marriage, she continued to live independently in the home they shared in Cary. As her health declined her family was able to honor her wishes to care for her at home with hospice. She died peacefully in her sleep on November 6, 2024. She is predeceased by her parents, her husband James Irvin, 2 brothers, and one grandchild who died in infancy.

She is survived by her son Steve Irvin (Carol) of Kinston, her daughter Julie Cutler(Glenn) of Cary, 12 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren. She is also survived by 3 sisters, Rose Wagoner, Betty Hase, Jane Bates; as well as her brother James Ervin Hartsell, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wants to thank her many doctors and nurses over the years, most recently Dr Schroeder and Dr Netrebko, and the staff at Transitions HospiceCare. Donations can be made in her honor to the American Cancer Society, Transitions HospiceCare, or a charity of your choice.

A receiving of friends for Gay will be held Monday, November 11, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 10:50 AM.

The funeral service will follow at the Brown Wynne Cary funeral home on Monday, November 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM. The burial will take place at the Historic Oakwood Cemetery, Raleigh, NC.

Memorial triburtes and and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Irvin family.