Phyllis Ann Hartwell

Phyllis Ann Simons Hartwell, affectionately known as “Mawmaw,” was called home to Heaven on August 5, 2024, at the age of 83. She was born on March 28, 1941, in Bland, Virginia to the late Elizabeth and Wiley Simons. Phyllis grew up in Bramwell, WV. She graduated from Bramwell High School in 1959 and dedicated many years of her life to Tultex Sewing Factory, where she retired as a Production Manager in 2000. Known for her kind, caring, and loving nature, Phyllis made a significant impact on those around her. She was a member of the Brushfork Baptist Church where she served and found great fellowship. She enjoyed participating in the Red Hat Society, cooking, taking care of her family, and most importantly, loving her grandbabies. These are the things that brought her immense joy and fulfillment. 

In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Hairl Hartwell; her sisters, Betty (Pete) Miller and Judy Rose; her brothers, Jimmy (Jan), Tommy (Linda), and Lee (Vickie) Simons; and her best friend and sister-in-law, Mildred Hartwell.

She is survived by her granddaughter, Christy Richmond, who she thought of as a daughter and helped raise, as well as her daughters, Tammy (Jim) Brinkley and Theresa Hartwell. She also leaves behind her niece, Trisha (Don) Williams, who she was a second mother to. In addition, she is survived by her granddaughters, Missy and Michele Sparks; grandson, Kevin Brinkley; great-grandchildren, Alyssa (Scott) Sizemore and Caitlin McLeod, Isaiah and Annabella (Roberto) Chocklett, Nichole (Tristan) Copenhaver, Laken Puckett, Tessa Hall, Caleb, Christian, and Cayden Brinkley; great-nieces, Jessica (Corbin) Fredeking and son Thomas, Kellie, and Mary Kate Williams, whom she treated as her own grandchildren. Great-great grandchildren, Emmalynn and Arabella Sizemore. Best friend and sister-in-law, Joan Hartwell; Special nephew, Brian Hartwell; best friend and neighbor, Elisa Noble; special friend, Jimmy Bateman; many nieces and nephews. All of whom she loved immensely. 

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Phyllis Hartwell will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home with Pastors Jim Drake and Wes Lambert officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park where family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at the funeral home from 6:00-8:00 PM. Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is service the Hartwell family.