Obituary for Vivian Williams Hardy
Vivian Gayle Williams Hardy (Chocolate) was born in Jacksonville Florida’s Duval County Hospital on Thursday, November 28, 1930 to Rosa Carr Williams and Joseph A. Williams (who proceeded her in death). She was the last of four children.
After her Mother passed in 1944, her Brother Charlie, took on the sole responsibility of caring for his Sister Vivian until he went away to attend Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Vivian was a member of Mt. Aarat Missionary Baptist Church pastored by the late Rev. Dallas J. Graham where she was a talented speaker.
Vivian graduated from Isiah Blocker Jr. Old Stanton High class of 1949 with honors, was accepted and attended Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia.
In 1950 Vivian relocated to Fernandina Beach to live with her Aunt Mrs. Rosa Pratt and Uncle Steve Pratt where she worked in their family business “The Pratts Place”. While working there she meet and married Robert (Buddy) Hardy Sr. (deceased)Vivian worked for Nassau County School System at Peck School as a Teacher’s Aide for 2 years. She was later employed by Humphrey’s Memorial Hospital as their first black Ward Clerk where she worked for over 30 years before retiring on March 8, 1993.
Vivian also volunteered with the Peck Community Center, The Friendly Lady Social Club and First Missionary Baptist Church where she received awards and recognition for her service.
In 1954, Sister Hardy joined First Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. F. Neil. She continued to serve at First Missionary Baptist church throughout the years while under the leadership of Rev. R. Hezekiah, Rev. R. Flagler, Rev. R. Willis, Rev A. McRae and most recently Rev. D. Bolden. She taught the beginners class for 10 years, was Vice President of the Mission Department and a faithful servant of the Union Saint James Association where she enjoyed traveling to many churches and picnics of the Union.
At the age of 85, after many years of faithful service, under numerous Pastors, her current Pastor, Dr. D.K. Bolden designated Sis Hardy as Mother of the Church. Which she considered to be a great honor and a special title.
Sister Hardy says that although her steps are short and her body is weak, she will always love and cherish her pastor, Dr. D.K. Bolden and all of her church family, especially DJ’s singing, which touched her soul.
On February 14, 2020 the Lord called Vivian home for eternal peace and rest. She is survived by her children Rendell Charles Hardy (Cynthia), Rivious Hardy Sr, Robert Hardy, R. Valenda Drummer (Jackie) and Merritt Hardy as well as a host of Grands, Great Grands, Neices and Nephews. Mother Hardy will be laid to rest with her great Aunt Susie R. Jackson, in Oak Grove Cemetery at Chester, Florida.
The funeral service for Vivian Williams Hardy will be held 1:00 pm Saturday, February 22nd, 2020 at the First Missionary Baptist Church (Fernandina Beach) 20 South 9th Street. The visitation will be 5:00 - 7:00 pm, Friday, February 21st, 2020 at the Funerals by T.S. Warden Fernandina Beach 410 Beech Street Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. Interment in Oak Grove Cemetery. Please sign the family guest book and view the video tribute @ www.tswarden.com. Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC, 4315 N. Main Street, 765-1234
After her Mother passed in 1944, her Brother Charlie, took on the sole responsibility of caring for his Sister Vivian until he went away to attend Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Vivian was a member of Mt. Aarat Missionary Baptist Church pastored by the late Rev. Dallas J. Graham where she was a talented speaker.
Vivian graduated from Isiah Blocker Jr. Old Stanton High class of 1949 with honors, was accepted and attended Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia.
In 1950 Vivian relocated to Fernandina Beach to live with her Aunt Mrs. Rosa Pratt and Uncle Steve Pratt where she worked in their family business “The Pratts Place”. While working there she meet and married Robert (Buddy) Hardy Sr. (deceased)Vivian worked for Nassau County School System at Peck School as a Teacher’s Aide for 2 years. She was later employed by Humphrey’s Memorial Hospital as their first black Ward Clerk where she worked for over 30 years before retiring on March 8, 1993.
Vivian also volunteered with the Peck Community Center, The Friendly Lady Social Club and First Missionary Baptist Church where she received awards and recognition for her service.
In 1954, Sister Hardy joined First Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. F. Neil. She continued to serve at First Missionary Baptist church throughout the years while under the leadership of Rev. R. Hezekiah, Rev. R. Flagler, Rev. R. Willis, Rev A. McRae and most recently Rev. D. Bolden. She taught the beginners class for 10 years, was Vice President of the Mission Department and a faithful servant of the Union Saint James Association where she enjoyed traveling to many churches and picnics of the Union.
At the age of 85, after many years of faithful service, under numerous Pastors, her current Pastor, Dr. D.K. Bolden designated Sis Hardy as Mother of the Church. Which she considered to be a great honor and a special title.
Sister Hardy says that although her steps are short and her body is weak, she will always love and cherish her pastor, Dr. D.K. Bolden and all of her church family, especially DJ’s singing, which touched her soul.
On February 14, 2020 the Lord called Vivian home for eternal peace and rest. She is survived by her children Rendell Charles Hardy (Cynthia), Rivious Hardy Sr, Robert Hardy, R. Valenda Drummer (Jackie) and Merritt Hardy as well as a host of Grands, Great Grands, Neices and Nephews. Mother Hardy will be laid to rest with her great Aunt Susie R. Jackson, in Oak Grove Cemetery at Chester, Florida.
The funeral service for Vivian Williams Hardy will be held 1:00 pm Saturday, February 22nd, 2020 at the First Missionary Baptist Church (Fernandina Beach) 20 South 9th Street. The visitation will be 5:00 - 7:00 pm, Friday, February 21st, 2020 at the Funerals by T.S. Warden Fernandina Beach 410 Beech Street Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. Interment in Oak Grove Cemetery. Please sign the family guest book and view the video tribute @ www.tswarden.com. Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC, 4315 N. Main Street, 765-1234