Mrs. Hartman, “Babs”, age 92, former long- time resident of Charlotte, NC slipped away peacefully Friday, May 1, 2026, in Rock Hill, SC.
Born in Lincolnton, NC on August 5, 1933, Barbara was the daughter of the late Claude Lamar Wryrick and Elizabeth Nolen Tharp. She graduated from Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina (currently University of North Carolina at Greensboro) with a degree in Business. She married James Alex Hartman (Jim) of Gastonia on December 18, 1954, and enjoyed 53 years of marriage together. They resided in Charlotte and raised three children. During that time Barbara worked for Fleet and Auto Supply part time as a bookkeeper so that she could be at home with the children while they were young. Later she worked full time in the accounting departments at Marsh Mortgage Company and Celanese Corporation. She was an active member of Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church where she made many life-long friends. Among them were Frances Knell, Sara Thompson, Barbara Bowlin, Cordelia Bennett and Margaret Gilbert whose families and children shared not only church life but many beach and mountain vacations together over the years.
Barbara and Jim spent their retirement years in Holden Beach, NC where she enjoyed reading, puzzles, rocking on the porch, playing cards and watching sports; notably Duke basketball and her beloved Atlanta Braves baseball which she would watch on “mute” as she found the commentary distracting. She also enjoyed hosting family and friends, which she did often. Many great memories were made during her 19 years at Holden, and she referred to the happiness of those days often in her final years. In the Spring of 2007, she and Jim moved to Park Pointe Village in Rock Hill, SC to be closer to family. Later that same year she lost her beloved husband to Alzheimers. She spent the next 19 years at her retirement community where she made many new friends, enjoying group dinners, water aerobics and volunteering both within Park Pointe Village as well as in the community. While there she frequently attended Oakland Baptist Church and enjoyed visits from church members during her time in skilled care.
Barbara is survived by her three children, Sylvia Hartman Puckett, Alan Hartman and David Hartman and their spouses Smokey, Beth and Eva; her seven grandchildren, Jake Puckett and his wife Luna, Pete Puckett and his partner Sofia, Travis Puckett, Matthew Hartman, Natalie Young and her husband Bryce, Alec Hartman, Erin Hartman, two great-grandchildren, Ada Young and Eli Young and her half- brothers Pete Birdsong and Mike Birdsong.
She is preceded in death by her brother Gene Wyrick and his wife Betty, her stepmother Dot Birdsong and her husband Ralph.
Barbara was a devoted wife and mother strong in her faith and fiercely independent. She had a great sense of humor and was very smart; an avid reader and a great conversationalist with an extensive vocabulary. She was extremely thoughtful, never missing the birthday of a family member, famous for calling each one personally to serenade them with “Happy Birthday to You” on their special day. A memory we all hold dear. Barbara enjoyed the simplicities of life; her morning coffee, the Charlotte Observer, a great book, a good nap and the love and company of family and friends. She will be dearly missed and affectionately remembered by all who were a part of her life.
The family would like to thank all of those who kept in touch with Barbara and for their special love and support. We are especially grateful to the caregivers at Willow Brooke Court for their assistance and care in her final years.
Greene Funeral Home in Rock Hill, SC is serving the family. To honor Barbara, the family will gather for a private memorial to celebrate her life, share favorite memories and bring closure to a life well lived.