Birdie Bernice (Noah) Hardy, 96, went to heaven on January 19, 2021. She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 78 years, Knox R. Hardy, her four children, Bonnie Lynn (Hardy) Keene of Memphis, TN, Robert "Bob" Hardy of Ft. Smith, AR, Roy "Butch" Hardy of Cleveland, GA and Gary Hardy of Horn Lake, MS; nine grandchildren and 14 great grands all called her "Grandmother". She adored them all.
Born and raised in Shelby County, TN, Bernice married soon after graduation from Whitehaven High School. She raised her children in the Oakville area of Shelby County, TN. She was active in her community, from church to schools to scouts. Together Knox and Bernice opened and ran Hardy's Hardware. Knox's military service brought transfers to Homestead, FL, Charleston, SC and Dallas, GA. In each community, Bernice reached out to neighbors and became quickly loved for her kindness and hospitality. In retirement, Knox and Bernice established a homestead in Oakland, MS. Bernice named it "ChiggerTick" because "That is mostly what we raised". Their home became the center of the small community and they were well noted for hosting an annual picnic that often attracted over 200 family and friends.
In 1997, they moved to Olive Branch, MS. Bernice welcomed family and friends to her home for country-cooked meals, often served on the back porch. She loved flowers and would give guests the "walking tour" as she named each variety. Throughout her life, Bernice sang in choirs and quartets. She and Knox were expert square dancers. She could (to the amazement of her grandchildren) recite lengthy poems from memory. Bernice was a beautiful woman, comfortable in any group, but never seeking attention. She loved God and she loved people. She was always mindful of others and found joy in serving. We are all better for having had her in our lives. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. A livestream of the service will be broadcast on Brantley Funeral Home Facebook Page or click the link https://www.facebook.com/187641267918629. A graveside service will be held on Monday, January 25, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Bethel Cemetery in Water Valley, MS.
