TUSCALOOSA Essie Toler Harless, age 88, of Tuscaloosa, died April 29, 2013, at DCH Regional Medical Center. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Circlewood Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Victor Harless Jr.; daughter, Pamela H. Hammond; father, John Toler; and mother, Lugenia King Toler.
Survivors include her daughter, Vicki H. Morton (James W.); sons, Barry L. Harless (Susan M.) and Gregory L. Harless; son-in-law, George “Tony” Hammond; sister, Dessie Smedley; grandchildren, Scott Morton, Kayla Cochran, Mindy Hammond, Tara Hammond, Jimmy Perkins, Julie Thomas, Laura Taff, and Holly Earnest; and great-grandchildren, Kaylen Cochran, Kody Cochran, Janie Lochridge, Blakely Lochridge, Justin, Lauren, and Landon Thomas, Julian Perkins, Bobby and Joey Harless, Annie and Essie Taff, and Keasler Earnest.
Known as Granna to so many, her sweet spirit touched hearts and lives. She was the epitome of southern charm and hospitality. A strong Christian woman who trusted in her Lord and prayed daily, she was a loving and caring wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. She always had a smile on her face and was always willing to cook up a meal for anyone with whom she came in contact. Her family was her pride and joy. Granna loved and was loved. She made her profession of faith on April 2, 1950, and was baptized with her husband on April 5, 1950. A dedicated member of Circlewood Baptist Church for 63 years, she served her church faithfully in numerous leadership positions. She served as Sunday School Secretary for 45 years. There are no words to describe how much she will be missed. We find comfort in celebrating that she is walking the streets of gold with our Heavenly Father.
Pallbearers will be Jay Cochran, George “Tony” Hammond, Jason Lochridge, Blakely Lochridge, Larry McDonald, and Scott Morton.
Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Herbert and Virginia Thomas, Ruth Sunday School Class, Circlewood Celebration Choir, members of Circlewood Kit Club, friends and neighbors of Berkley Hills, Joyce Hartsfied, J.C. and Lorene Sims, Inez Bullock, Jeanette Gibson, Peggy Henson, Marsha Wallace, Dot Largin, Jimmy and Francis Whisenhant, Cecille McDonald, David and Ann Herndon, Steve and MaryBeth Bodin, Rayburn and Betty Toler, and Shay Crenshaw.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Circlewood Baptist Church Building Fund.