Jewell E. Hardy

Jewell, born February 11, 1923, was the youngest of seven children born to the late Elijah and Hattie Vinson. Mrs. Hardy was married for seventy-three years to Roy M. Hardy, who predeceased his wife by a mere 99 days. The two shared a long and happy life together.

Mrs. Hardy had many talents and interests. She loved flowers and gardening. She was the first entrepreneur known to her four children who watched their mother turn some of her hobbies into a way to contribute to their household income. Mrs. Hardy’s endeavors ranged from raising aquarium fish to crocheting before she found her true passion in ceramic art. Mrs. Hardy operated a ceramic shop for two decades where she taught ceramic-making and painting to hundreds of students. The shop was much more than a business to Jewell and her lifelong partner Roy, who could be found helping out after his retirement.

Above all else, Mrs. Hardy enjoyed spending time with her large family. She particularly loved being with her children and grandchildren on the river in Ohatchee where the family celebrated many holidays and happy occasions.

Survivors include her children, daughters Jane Van Cleve of Huntsville, Diane Varner of Anniston, Evelyn Bowles of Tampa, Florida, and son Rick Hardy of Anniston; eight grandchildren, Donna Mundy of Daphne, Cleve Mundy of Atlanta, Georgia, Shaun Mundy of Huntsville, Richard Varner of Anniston, Rhonda Morgan of Huntsville, Shannon Johnston of Tampa, Florida, Stephen Grant Bowles of New York, and Tyler Hardy of Anniston; and several great-grandchildren.

She was dearly loved and will be truly missed.

The Hardy family would like to express heartfelt appreciation to the nursing staff of 5-West at RMC, Amedisys Hospice Care and all the caregivers that assisted during Mrs. Hardy’s final weeks for their compassion and care.

Services will be held Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Gray Brown-Service Mortuary with Chaplain Matthew Rose officiating . The family will receive friends 1 hour prior. Pallbearers will be Cleve Mundy, Shaun Mundy, Richard Varner, Shannon Johnston, Stephen Grant Bowles, and Tyler Hardy. Burial will follow at Anniston Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements under the direction of Gray Brown-Service Mortuary & Crematory, Anniston, Alabama.