Hazel Sloan Harmon

Hazel Sloan Harmon passed away Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Iredell Memorial Hospital, surrounded by loving family. She was 98 years old. A lifelong resident of Iredell County, she was born on May 29, 1917 to Ina Huie Sloan and Robert Cromwell Sloan. On October 11, 1934, Hazel married James Matney Harmon. They had two sons and a daughter: James Ferrell Harmon, John Matney Harmon, and Mary Angela Harmon Pate. She would eventually have two daughters-in-law, a son-in-law, eight grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, including three sets of twins.

Hazel grew up in Olin, North Carolina and attended Union Grove School. Matney Harmon owned and operated Harmon's Food Store on Front Street in Statesville. She and her children were actively involved in the store. She enjoyed church work at Broad Street Methodist Church, serving on many committees, church circles and Sunday School. She was President numerous times of her Garden Club, Girl Scout leader of Angela's troop for 6 years. She worked in out-patient surgery as a volunteer for twenty years. She swam aerobics at Davis Hospital, played killer duplicate bridge, led the Women's Club and served in the Business Professional Women's Sorority in Statesville as well as being active in Eastern Star and Rainbow Girl as Advisor.

Hazel is survived by her son James Ferrell Harmon and wife Peg, their children Terry Smith (Jeff) of Marietta, GA; Laura Harmon of Statesville, Michelle Dudley (Ragan) and Michael Harmon (Vanessa) of Statesville. Her son John Matney Harmon and wife Joyce of Austin, TX, their children Zack Harmon (Donna) of Chevy Chase, MD, and Molly Harmon Bishop (Rob) of London, England. Hazel's daughter Angela Harmon Pate (Vernon) of Lynchburg, SC. Their sons are Player Pate (Julie) of John's Creek, GA and Brian Pate (Alisha) of Simsonville, SC. Her great-grandchildren Sloan and Morgan Dudley; Devon and Christopher Harmon; Will, Miles and Luke Harmon; Adam, Lucy and Ned Bishop; Emma and Lily Pate, Nolan and Cameron Sadlock; and Christian and Clara Pate. Her living brothers are Harold Sloan (Dot) of Candler, NC and Blaine Sloan of Rosewood Nursing Home as well as a sister-in-law, Villa Sloan of Olin, NC and many nieces and nephews. Her beloved husband, James Matney Harmon and brothers Huie, French, and Eugene preceded her in death.

Hazel was blessed to live out her life at home thanks to a loving and dedicated caregiver, Robin Bell, as well as part-time caregivers Carrie Land and Katie McDaniel. She was loyal to Wanda Barnes at Natural Trends salon for many years. We are grateful to Dorothy, her home health care person and the staff at Iredell Memorial Hospital.

Hazel was an extraordinary mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her first love was her family, and she dedicated her life to making everyone happy and well fed.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday February 2, 2016 from 10-11am at Broad Street United Methodist Church, 315 W Broad St, Statesville. The funeral service will begin at 11am. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery Statesville.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: Broad Street Methodist Church 315 W. Broad St. Statesville, NC 28677, or to the charity of your choice.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Harmon family.