Ethel Lee Hargrove

Ethel Lee Hargrove, 62, of Statesville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 15, 2025. Born on December 22, 1962, in Franklin County, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Joe Louis Hargrove and Katie Sue Spencer Harrington.

Ethel was educated in the Iredell-Statesville Schools and spent her life as a strong, resilient woman whose presence left a lasting impact on those who knew and loved her. While her journey was touched by sadness, including the loss of her father and her beloved granddaughter, Payton Hargrove, she remained steadfast and courageous throughout her life.

She is survived by her loving mother, Katie Sue Spencer Harrington, and her devoted children, Crystal Lee Ann Hargrove and Mekta Dwyna White, both of the home. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Demetrius Hargrove (Nazaria Caldwell), Paris Hargrove, Brian Gillus Jr., Konstance Hargrove, London Blakeney, Eli Hargrove, Nathaniel Wilson Jr., and William Johnson, as well as her great-granddaughter, Chloe Hargrove.

Ethel is also survived by her siblings: brothers Ricky Spencer, James Hargrove, Rex White, Robert White, Gregg White, Melvin Craig White, Charles White, and Johnny Hargrove; and sisters Terry Hargrove, Dorothy Hargrove, Pam Hunt, and Daunica Cannady. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews including Olivia Cannady, JR Hargrove, Chris Hargrove, Josh Blankenship, Brenna Blankenship, Katie White, Brooke White, Noel Hargrove, Areanna Been, and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews.

She also shared a special bond with two dear friends, Omega Heath and Anika Faye White, who survive her.

A Receiving of Friends will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home, located at 705 Davie Avenue, in Statesville, and a Homegoing Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home with Craig White officiating.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com and selecting Ethel Lee Hargrove’s obituary.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home of Statesville is honored to be entrusted with the care of Ms. Hargrove and her family.