Harriet Gerald Easler, 84, of Columbia, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Born in Winnsboro, South Carolina, on March 12, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Grigsby Henry Gerald and Ada Collins Gore.

Harriet was the beloved wife of 59 years to Kenneth "Pete" M. Easler, a devoted mom, and a proud "Grammy." Her warmth, generosity, and unconditional love touched everyone who knew her. She found great joy in tending her yard: planting flowers, gardening, and caring for the birds and squirrels that visited daily. Her happiest moments were spent with family, especially during the annual beach trip, where she cherished sitting on the front porch in a rocking chair surrounded by loved ones. Harriet also adored the Christmas season. She looked forward to settling in to watch Hallmark Christmas movies, often wrapped in her Clemson blanket.

Harriet loved gathering family and friends around a home-cooked meal, sharing memories, laughter, and stories that could fill an evening. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, a place where love was served as generously as the food, and where everyone was made to feel welcome and cared for.

Born and raised in the mill village of Winnsboro, Harriet attended Mt. Zion Institute and later Winthrop College. She moved to Columbia to begin what became a lifelong career. Harriet was a dedicated professional, spending more than five decades with South Carolina Electric & Gas Company and its sister companies, including South Carolina Pipeline Corporation and later Dominion Energy. She retired as a senior accountant, admired for her integrity and mentorship to others, qualities she passed on to her daughters and granddaughters.

After retiring, Harriet joyfully helped Melanie with weddings, and most of all, spent cherished time with her granddaughters, Erin and Ella. Her kindness, giving nature, and unconditional love made the world around her a better place.

In addition to her husband, Pete, Harriet is survived by her daughters, Juli E. Blalock and Melanie E. Murphy (husband, Darren); granddaughters, Erin Blalock and Ella Blalock; and her brother, Henry Gerald (wife, Joyce).

The funeral service for Mrs. Easler will be held at 3 o'clock on Saturday, October 25, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel (7600 Trenholm Road Extension, Columbia), with Pastor Faye Stephens officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 2 o'clock.

Flowers can be received at Shives Funeral Home - Trenholm Road. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fairfield County Historical Society & Museum, P.O. Box 6, Winnsboro, SC 29180.