Polly Verdell Hardy

We appreciate all of the love and acts of kindness to the Hardy-Reed and Martin Family. All of the heartfelt compassion from the supportive community of friends speaks to our souls and uplifts us during this season of remembrance. We hope that you will continue to know how much it means to receive phone calls, texts, and warm messages. Thank you for the cards, meals, flowers, donations, and prayers in this difficult time and attending the memorable occasion to recognize the life of our beloved "Nana" .

Elizabeth “Polly” Verdell Reed-Hardy was born on February 5, 1935 in Haynesville, Louisiana. Daughter to the late John Willie Reed, Sr. and Sally Reed-Cochran who was affectionately known as “Mother Dear”. Polly was the only girl surrounded by three brothers; Frank, Sam & Pete.

After graduating from Haynesville High School, Polly found love at an early age and married the love of her life, John Hardy where soon after, they moved to Southern California. To this union, four children were born, three loving boys: John, Anthony and Michael as well as one precious girl, Deborah.

Polly Verdell, mother of four, was creative, very talented and about her business. Her actions spoke louder than her words and she showed her children how to be strong, set goals and go for what you want. She started working for herself as a hairstylist but also loved to cook. Her passion was Soul Food. From hot water cornbread and greens to meatloaf and smothered chicken she always stayed in the kitchen. This led to starting a catering service and running the kitchen at “The Cork” restaurant on Adams in Los Angeles. When she wasn't cooking, she loved to order at her favorite place, Mama's Chicken on Slauson. Even after moving from LA in her late years, she would still have her son Michael, take her to her preferred spot for a two-piece dinner. In most cases, if you saw Polly around you probably saw her youngest son Michael right next to her.

Polly not only loved her food, but also her music, always listening to Jazz, Motown Legends and RnB Singers. Her favorite RnB artist was Ne-Yo. Would you believe that? Always humming along whenever his songs came on. On her downtime, you can catch Polly on the couch watching her favorite TV shows, from laughing at Steve Harvey on the game show, "Family Fued" or falling asleep to reruns of "Old Western's", like The Lone Ranger, Roy Rogers or the classic, Bonzana. But nothing brought Polly more joy than spending time, taking pictures, telling stories, cooking or going out to eat with her children, grandchildren and great-grand children who called her "Nana". These special occasions will certainly be remembered in the hearts and minds of family members and longtime friends.

Polly was preceded in death by her husband, John Hardy, Sr.; her brothers, Frank, Sam & Pete, her son, Anthony “Lonnie” Hardy and daughter, Dr. Deborah Verness Hardy-Martin.

Elizabeth "Polly" Verdell transitioned on Wednesday, October 9th, 2019. She is survived by her eldest son John “DJ” Hardy, Jr. of Louisiana and youngest son Michael "2 Sweet" Hardy. Her grandchildren Tanoya, Michael Jr, Michelle, John Hardy III, Jalessa Brock, LaQuenta Verness, Christina Jontee, William Blain, III and his wife Brittiny. Her great-grandchildren William Blain IV, John Cameron, Lyriq J. Paul, Adian L. Paul, Laila, JaMeon Davis, DeMorea Nelson, Destiny Grace, and DanYale Guy, Jr. along with a host nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and many friends who will cherish her memory in their hearts. You will be missed Polly, you will always be our Nana.