Someone once told me, “Sometimes, we need to give roses where roses are due.”
In this context, he was specifically speaking about acknowledging someone publicly for being someone/doing something extraordinary.
Today, I’d like to acknowledge a true diamond in the rough, Louisa Jane Hartsell.
As a precursor, I’ve known the Hartsell family since childhood. They have all always been a kind family and supportive of their community.
Jeff Hartsell continued a family legacy that began in the 1800s, and since his passing that legacy continues. The Hartsell family serves by lovingly providing funeral home services in four different areas of NC.
Louisa has become a dear and trusted friend of mine over the years. She has spent her life serving in an environment that can easily become mentally taxing.
It takes a genuine person to grieve with others and strive to make people feel as safe, supported and cared for as possible while going through the before, during and after of planning a funeral while trying to process a loved one’s passing.
For Louisa, it’s always been much more than business and it shows. She’s a breath of fresh air when people need it the most whether at or outside of work. I don’t know anyone in our community who would disagree that she is very often a light in times of other people’s darkness.
Despite her own suffering surrounding her father’s death, I have watched her continue spending time, effort and energy giving back to her community. She has turned her pain into purpose. It is truly inspirational and infectious.
Louisa is a member of the local Rotary Club whose national motto is “Service above self.” She has become a familiar face for Alzheimer’s awareness advocacy. She’s also known to have supported local veteran organizations, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity and more.
I’m proud to have a dear friend who spends her life supporting others and who always strives to be the best version of herself possible.
Our community is blessed to have her as a member/supporter.
Today, this rose is for Louisa.
Kathryn Hinkle Russell
Badin