Floria Bartell Eaddy

          Floria Bartell Eaddy transitioned from this life during the season that the world recognizes as Thanksgiving.   This is the season where we, with intention, find all the reasons to be thankful.    Well, we can include the life and legacy of Floria Bartell Eaddy as a reason to offer God thankful praise.

             God graced her with just short of 104 years of life.   These years produced incredible memories of love, discipline, artistry, and strength.   Fondly called either “Mommie,” “Ms. Floria,” or “Baby,” was born on  February 14, 1916 on Valentines Day to Ada and Wesley Bartell, in Johnsonville, South Carolina.  Born during a time when the world experienced war, lynchings, segregation, and oppression.  Yet, Mommie’s life represented steadfastness, fortitude, and faith for the journey.   She grew up with seven siblings: Malachi Bartell (Alowyeese); Eula B. Hughes (Elijah); Mattie B. Lyles (Anderson); Rether B. Ellison (Leander);Virginia B. Goodson (Jim); and Maria B. Young (Mike), all of whom preceded her in death. 

             Her life was filled with many joyous and memorable moments that have shaped the life of her family. She married Willie Eaddy (deceased) and raised a beautiful and close knit family: Four Daughters: Earline Hicks (Willie-deceased); Patricia Ann Capeheart – deceased (Harry Lee); Sallie Mae Modeste – deceased (Bobby – deceased); , and Jocelyn Day (Donald – deceased), along with three sons: Willie Eaddy Jr. (Roberta);  Hezekiah Eaddy (Deborah – deceased); and Ronald Eaddy (Vicki).  Her legacy lives on through her children and eighty-nine grand children, great grandchildren, and great great grand children – we will never forget having to go get our own switch for her to give us a ‘whipping.”   She loved all of her family, sharing quilts, candy, and scrumptiously cooked meals (sweet potato pies and coconut pies were the best) - with plenty for everyone – and yes, “clean up the kitchen.”

             Ms. Floria embraced so many who quickly became like family to her.   She made life long friends doing domestic work, while at the same time helping others have joy in their families.  The Batter’s family had a very special place in her heart along with a special nephew, Stanley Ray Bartell who gave Aunt Floria so much time and help.  Other special friends made her family even larger,  Georgia Bloomer Eaddy, Cheryl Patterson, and  Louvenia Capeheart to name a few.   She gave generously, with her incredible sense of humor and unforgettable laughter.       

             At the age of 13, she joined St. Mark AME Church In Johnsonville, South Carolina, serving faithfully for 90 years. While at St. Mark, she was involved in many ministries and served as a class leader until recently.  She also rendered her service to the Silver Star Chapter 251 of the Eastern Stars.   She stayed busy by her involvement in the Quilting Club of Pamplico; the Senior Citizen Association of Florence County; and The Old Adults of Salem United Methodist Church. Some of her favorite “past time” was planting flowers and doing yard work, quilting, shopping and going to Roses with the Senior Citizens.  

              During this Thanksgiving, we have Mommie to help us acknowledge and be thankful for the grace of God who gave us longer than 103 years of laughter, legacy and love.  As with the words of one of her favorite song, “my soul has got to move.” She has made her move, on Sunday, November 24, 2019,  into the loving hands of her precious Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Floria Bartell Eaddy, please visit our floral store.