On February 11, 2018 Mom ascended into Heaven to walk through those gates of pearl after a brief stay at Gaston Memorial Hospital in Gastonia, NC. At her side during her passing was her son. She left this life in a most peaceful manner.
Nell was born in Hot Springs, NC on August 19, 1920 to the late Grover C. Gowan and Lola Gowan Revis.
On January 23, 1941 she married the love of her life and best friend, Erwin F. Harkleroad. They spent 50 wonderful years together before his passing on February 15, 1996. They were the proud parents of two sons. Their first son, Erwin F. Harkleroad, Jr. was born in 1947 and they were heartbroken at his passing at the age of 6 in 1953. The Lord then blessed them with another son, Larry Harkleroad born in 1954.
In 1983, Nell retired from Beacon Manufacturing Co. and began a life of leisure which allowed her time to enjoy the company of many family and friends.
Through the years, Nell was preceded in death by several of her sisters, Lema Davis, Diora Lawson, Eloise Gowan, Inez Nothey and Ruth Etherton. She was also preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Sandra Harkleroad on January 20, 2017.
Left behind to cherish her memory are her son, Larry Harkleroad of Charlotte, NC; granddaughter, Candace Harkleroad; and sister, Beulah Presnell; and many nieces and nephews that meant so much to her.
Nell was a charter member of over 60 years at Swannanoa Church of God, where she was actively involved in many activities.
Friends are invited to come for visitation at Noon on Friday, February 16, 2018 until 1pm. The funeral service will start at 1pm at Swannanoa Church of God with Rev. Dennis Bean, Rev. Leonard Cole and Rev. Davy Shelton officiating. Immediately after the funeral service, the burial will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Hendersonville.

John 14:1-3, Let not your hearts be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.