Memoir of Grandma Hassell

Saturday November 14, 2009

Carrie Helyn Bounds Hassell (January 12, 1919-November 4, 2009)

Just a few memories from that day that I want to remember:

It was the day of the funeral service, there were some interesting family characters that really stood out with their afro-size hair that had enough hairspray to destroy half the ozone, their faces a colorful palette of makeup and bright lipstick, you know, the kind that's just looking to vandalize clean cheeks. Not to forget their over-sized jewelry, that would put the British Crown Jewels and any rapper to shame, to go along with their 1920s fur.

Grandpa Hassell was looking sharp in his black suit with matching bow tie and ivy cap (similar to the one I have that I call my Pablo Neruda hat). Going up to give him a hug, thinking I would be comforting him he tells me, “this is a good time.” I knew what he meant and admired how even during moments such as this when he lost his companion and needed comforting he was comforting others and staying optimistic.

Grandma Hassell-
She was a Southern girl, born in Louisiana on a plantation of cotton and corn. Her parents had sweet names like Stephen Solomon and Lola. Her family came under persecution after joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and eventually they had to move. They moved various times, always moving to where the work was. Things she was remembered for were her work ethic, testimony of the gospel, long life of service, and serendipitous sense of humor. Like the time the family was driving up to the lake on an old dirt road. She always had precious curls and in order to keep the dust from the road out of her hair she had reached back and grabbed a pair of underwear, which she fitted over her head and wore the rest of the way. She was also a great artist and the home that Grandpa built himself was adorned with her paintings both inside and out. Grandpa said of his wife of nearly 60 years, “she’s the joy of my life. She stayed solid.”

And just as she moved around as a little girl and again as a young mother to be where the work was, she has moved on again, completing her life's work and going to where there is more work to be done