June 21, 1956 ~ February 15, 2025
Rebecca “Becky” Shackelford Harwell, 68, passed away unexpectedly at home on February 15, 2025. Becky was born to the late Mary and William Shackelford on June 21, 1956, in Kinston, NC.
Becky graduated from Swansboro High School, attended Sullins College, and then transferred to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Although she earned a bachelor’s degree in social work, she later returned to school and earned her CPA license. For the last twenty years of her career, she worked as a senior financial analyst at Continental Teves.
Emboldened by a dare, Becky first approached her future husband, Lee, when she was a junior in college—a legendary tale to all who know it as the perfect UNC love story. After they graduated, they both moved to Asheville and married in the fall of 1978. Shortly after, they bought their forever home nestled in the hills of Leicester, where they raised their two children and continued to build and improve their mountain haven.
Becky was an avid gardener and lover of the outdoors. She could often be found in her garden oasis growing berries, planting flowers, and perfecting the waterfalls and ponds that surrounded it all. She was always very active with her husband and family, including solo and family walks and workouts. In the off-season of gardening, the Harwells always looked forward to meeting up with their camping family by the Davidson River for a week of camping at the end of every October. Becky will be remembered as an excellent mother, grandmother, and friend, always on the lookout for a gift that reminded her of you. Her excitement to give these gifts often became too great, and she could not wait for the intended holiday.
In retirement, she and Lee took their love of the outdoors on the road with a truck-bed camper the family referred to as “The Little House.” They traveled all over the United States, visiting as many national and state parks as possible.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary; step-mother, Ethel Shackelford; and her younger sister, Allyson Osborne. She is survived by the love of her life and husband of 46 years, Lee Harwell; caring children (and spouses), Elizabeth (Jared Turbyfill) and John (Komal Raani Dilawari); as well her beloved granddaughter, Hazel, with another expected in March. She is also survived by her sisters, Sarah Roberts and Billie Bowers, as well as many nieces and nephews.
The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 587 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC, 28806. During the service those in attendance will be invited to share a cherished memory or story. The family will receive friends at a reception afterward in the Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806, a place Becky loved to visit and take inspiration from for her garden.