Harriett Sides

Harriett Hartley Sides, 83, of Welcome passed away peacefully in the Hospice House of Davidson County on December 24th.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Monday, December 29, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Welcome with Pastor Jonathan Goodman officiating. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 4 pm until 6 pm on Sunday at Davidson Funeral Home in Lexington.

She was born on April 22, 1942, to her loving parents Harry and Sarah Hartley, also of Welcome. Harriett attended Welcome Elementary School and North Davidson High School where she graduated before entering Meredith College and earning a double major in Religion and Education. She eventually returned to school at Appalachian State University where she earned her Master of Education degree in 1986.  Jesus, her family and education were her passions, and she devoted her life to all three.

Harriett began her career teaching 3rd graders at her alma mater of Welcome School and eventually moved to teaching 5th graders for most of her 31-year career during which she took 5 years off when her children were born. She impacted countless young lives with her delicate loving teaching style and could not go anywhere in Davidson County without encountering one of those whose lives were touched. She frequently heard throughout her retired years... “You were my favorite teacher of all time.”

In addition to being a beloved teacher she also devoted many years serving Jesus at her local church First Baptist Church of Welcome. She was an active member for her whole life filling many roles as needed including Choir Director, Acteen Leader, and Sunday School teacher. She not only led her fellow church members in learning about and worshipping Jesus, but she was a strong spiritual leader of her family. Her strong legacy of faith was instrumental in leading her kids and grandchildren to Christ. She was one of the finest examples of a Christian lady that could be found.

She is survived by her loving husband Larry Sides of 62 years, her son Scott (Mary) Sides and daughter Salli (Rob) Steward, 4 grandchildren Dalton (Katie) Sides, Alex Steward, Zachary Sides, and Emma Steward, also her brother William Hartley (Melinda) and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please learn to make her recipe for potato salad which is basically the glue that holds society together.  Or donations can be made to Duke Children’s Hospital who in concert with God healed her grandson Zachary of a devastating illness when he was young.