Harriet H Buff, 78 years old, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 1st, 2020. Harriet is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Loy David Buff, resident of Azalea Health and Rehab in Wilmington, NC. Also, daughters Tanya Buff Hart of Oak Island and Beverly Buff Sadler and son-in-law, Hank Sadler of Charlotte, NC, as well as her beloved older brother, Charles E. Hale, Jr of Riverside, CA., nephews Charles R. Hale and Curtis Hale. Grand-Mommie will especially be missed by her adored grandchildren, Kayla Marie Sadler, Savannah Sue Sadler, Sierra Elaine Hart, Nicole Lindee Sadler and Tristan Bradley Hart.
Harriet was preceded in death by her parents, Charles E. Hale and Ruth Barkalow Hale as well as her precious middle daughter, Ofc. Davina Buff Jones BHI PD, EOW 10-22-1999, the loss of whom broke her heart 20 years ago. We are comforted in the knowledge of their joyous reunion in eternity.
Mrs. Buff cherished her large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins who brought her much joy. She and Loy loved to extend hospitality by hosting family reunions over the years, whether at their home in Charlotte, at their restaurant, or at their home on Oak Island. Visitors were always welcomed and usually served a really good steak or meal.
Harriet was born in Smithfield, VA on July 6, 1941 and grew up in Charlotte, NC where she attended Piedmont Junior High and graduated from Central High. She also attended Western Carolina College. She and Loy met on a blind date and were married shortly thereafter on June 1, 1963. They settled in the Hickory Grove area in East Charlotte where they raised their family. They owned and operated The Peddler Steak House in Charlotte for over 20 years, until they built their dream home on Oak Island in 1986 and began an early retirement. After a few years of well deserved relaxation and plenty of golf, in 1991 Harriet partnered with her sister-in-law, Bobbie Brock (deceased) as Co-owners of B&B’s Island Garden Center. She developed many lasting relationships with the community through her involvement at the garden center as well as Oak Island Golf Club, where she and Loy are lifetime members. However, after Davina’s tragic death and surrounding controversy in 1999, Harriet became heavily involved with the Brunswick County Republican Women’s Club and the NC Federation of Republican Women. It became her passion to utilize her rights as a voting U.S. Citizen, to promote and elect honest representatives within local and state government. After 14 years of a vigorous and relentless pursuit for justice, Harriet and Loy finally achieved their goal, when in 2013 newly elected District Attorney Jon David officially determined her death as “undetermined” instead of the wrongful original determination of “suicide”. While the loss of a child is indescribable in any situation, they found peace in righting a profound wrong committed by abuse of power in local government. Harriet was overjoyed knowing her involvement made a difference. Unfortunately, her health had started to decline and she eventually became home bound and required full time care. Her dedicated oldest daughter, Tanya, diligently oversaw her caregiving throughout her decline. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and love for the many care takers who helped in so many capacities with Harriet. We extend a special thank you to the staff at Liberty Home Care and Hospice Services, of Supply, NC. May God Bless All of you!
A memorial service for Harriet will be held on Saturday, March 7th at 2:00 pm at Ocean View United Methodist Church with a reception following.
In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting donations in Harriet’s memory be made to either of the following:
Liberty Home Care and Hospice Services, 1120 Ocean Highway West, Supply, NC 28462, www.libertyhomecare.com or to Ocean View UMC 8400 E. Oak Island Drive, Oak Island, NC 28465, www.ovumc.org
7 Comments
Loy, Tonya and Beverly,
We are so sorry to hear of Harriett’s passing. We often think of you and the good times we have had. Nobody can grill a steak like you and the girls were always nice to us. May God place His healing hand on your heavy hearts and bring you peace. Love you, Beverly and Walt Glenn (Jeff’s parents for the girls).
I was best friends with Dee the daughter of Loy and Harriet. When Dee was killed, the family became my support of losing my best friend. Harriet I know lost a huge piece of herself, when she lost her child. Harriet was a strong woman through all of it but I know it took a major toll on her life as well as her health. Harriet was always so sweet to me. My comfort in all of this is that I know that she has been reunited with the daughter she lost so many years ago. The thought of this makes me smile. Rest In Peace sweet Harriet and give Dee a big hug and kiss from me. My prayers now are with the family left behind. May you all find sunshine in the rain and laughter of memories left behind.
Known all of you more than 40 years. Just as mournful as with Davina. May God Bless you all and give you peace in knowing, They dancing on streets of gold, awaiting us all!!!! Godspeed
Sending prayers in this time of sorrow for your family. As it has been stated she is now in the presence of our Heavenly Father & her family & friends. My love to you all.
Tanya, and family: We are so very sorry for your loss. Harriet was a special person and we know you will miss her very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
I’ve been praying for you in your time of loss. A mother is irreplaceable and I know you loved yours so very much. I pray you’ll have peace.
I still remember the good old days at the Peddler (what a very special meal) and the reunions at your home. We also loved to visit any time we vacationed on Oak Island. Love ❤️ to you all and may you each find peace and comfort through this difficult time. ???
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