HARDY, Mary Louise age 96, of Cincinnati, Ohio passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2015. She was born in Greenville, Alabama on January 27, 1919 to Richard T. and Tollie N. Smith (nee Nelson).

Mary joined Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in June, 1962, under Reverend J.J. Evans, and was a faithful member until her health began to fail. She served in a number of capacities, including Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Missionary Society, Gospel Choir, President of the Kitchen Committee, President of the January Birthday Club, and was most proud to be a "Golden Ager". One of her favorite sayings was "keep prayed up", and she was often heard quoting the 23 Psalms.

Her passion for travel led her to become President of the Excell Social Club. It is believed that she has traveled to or through every state in the union, except Hawaii. While traveling to the many Family Reunions that she attended, she and her sisters became known as the "Greyhound Sisters".

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard T. Smith and Tollie N. Smith; husband, John Hardy Jr. Mary is survived by her beloved sister, Tollie M. Todd; sister in laws, Mildred Hardy, Deloris Howard, and Melba Hardy; nieces, Shirley M. (John) Mixson, Lottie Hendricks and Alva Jean Martin; nephews, Robert F. Johnson, Onnie R. (Mary C.) Martin, Nathaniel Martin, George (Sinda) Martin, Melvin Bankhead Jr., Charles Bankhead, Billy Smith, James E. Smith, Walter Todd, Cleve Todd, George Todd, and John Harris; cousins, Ruth Bevans and William Harris; and a host of other family members and friends.

Funeral Ceremony will be 7:00 pm Friday, April 24, 2015 with a visitation from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Calvary Baptist Church, 801 William Howard Taft Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206.


To share a memory of Mary or leave a special message for her family, please click the Share Memories button above.