On Sunday, February 22, 2026, Esther Sewell Hartsfield, age 88, of Verona, North Carolina, was called home to be with Jesus after a nine year-long battle with Parkinson's Disease. Her faith in God, support of her family and caregivers, and strong will carried her through the most recent months where the progression of the disease took the biggest physical toll on her body.

The celebration of Esther's life will be held at Verona Baptist Church on Friday, February 27, 2026. Viewing will begin at 11 am, followed by the celebration service at 12 pm. Interment will immediately follow at Onslow Memorial Park Cemetery.

Born on March 9, 1937, in Verona, North Carolina to the late Thurman Eldridge and Minnie Katherine Sewell, Esther lived a life rooted in faith, family, and simple joys. A devoted Christian, she was a faithful member of Verona Baptist Church for her entire adult life, where she found deep community and strength in her walk with Christ. A favorite scripture was 1 Corinthians 13:4 - 8 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails", which she lived out daily through her kindness, humility, and love of her family. Esther was preceded in death by her older brother Johnson Sewell and his wife Doris. Esther is survived by her younger sister Phyllis Diane Snodgrass and her husband, Sherman. She is also survived by her nephews - Jordan Snodgrass, Jeffrey Sewell (Debbie), Rodney Sewell (Ginger), and Timmy Sewell (Bonita - deceased).

Esther had a special love for gardening. Her yard was her sanctuary. She believed hard work kept you physically strong and was good for your soul. No matter what task she was doing, she treated every plant like it mattered and they always grew and bloomed. She would say it was the sunlight and water, but we all knew it was patience and love. Many of us learned life lessons watching her grow plants and flowers - the importance of tending what God gives you, the changing of the seasons, and about trusting that growth takes time. Esther's greatest harvest was her family.

Esther was married to the late Raymond Andrew Hartsfield Jr. on June 27, 1958. After Raymond's untimely passing in 1979, Esther became more determined than ever to maintain a home filled with faith, laughter and love. She is survived by her two children: Andrew Hartsfield (Trudy) and Kristy Wagner (Patrick McLaughlin); her grandchildren: Dustin Hartsfield (Courtney); Raymond Hartsfield; Megan O'Neal; Katelyn O'Neal; Paxton O'Neal; Ivy Wagner Steele (Jack); and Andria McLaughlin Davis (Whit) and her great-grandchildren: Eisley Hartsfield; Mabry Hartsfield; Drew Hartsfield; Cruz Hartsfield and Shawn Davis. Esther also enjoyed the company of her family dogs, Dotty, Tucker, Roscoe, and Jethro. A few of her favorite dogs preceded her in death and were surely waiting at the gates of Heaven for her arrival; Dixie, Ginger and Henry.

Esther will be remembered by those who loved her for her tenacious spirit, steady prayers, warm hugs, and the way she made everyone feel welcome at her table. Her faith never wavered, and she faced life's joys and trials with trust in God's promises.

Esther taught us that faith is steady. That love is shown in small, daily acts. That beauty and nourishment can grow from humble soil.

Memorial contributions may be made to Verona Baptist Church in her honor, if desired. The family encourages everyone to plant something in Esther's memory and to be thankful for the bounty of the soil and sunshine.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Poem:

I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses,

And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own, And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.

-C. Austin Miles