Barbara Louise Gore Hardwick was born to Ruth Simone and Emmett W. Gore, Sr., in Jacksonville, Florida, on July 10, 1924 and passed away on June 27, 2022, just a few days shy of her 98th birthday. At an early age, she moved with her family to Macon, Georgia, where she lived for the remainder of her life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Macon (JM) Hardwick, her son, Jimmy Hardwick, her parents , Ruth and Emmett Gore and her brother, E.W. Gore, Jr.. Left to cherish a lifetime of memories are her daughter and son-in-law, Bobbie Jo and Hugh Carver, Lizella, GA, her son and daughter-in-law, Emmett and Jeanne Hardwick, Milledgeville, GA., sister-in-law, Maxine Hardwick, Macon, her grandchildren, Cal Hardwick (Lisa) and Hope Smith, Gray, GA, Ashley Carver Abernathy (Pete), Atlanta, GA, Melissa Hardwick, Beverly Hills, CA, Rich Hardwick (Samantha), Oldsmar, FL, Linda Hardwick, Gray, GA and great-grandchildren, Corey Hardwick (Taylor), Gavin Hardwick, Camryn Smith, Doc, Mac, Whit and Land Abernathy, Parker Hardwick and numerous nieces and nephews.
Barbara was a loving Mother and Grandmother who was devoted to her family and friends. Her greatest joy was in spending time with her family; to the end, always interested in what everyone was doing and supportive in any endeavor which they might undertake. She was a great cook, made the best divinity and fruitcake cookies, and crocheted countless afghans and baby afghans for her family and friends. Her early career was as a bookkeeper for Colonial Stores, and later she worked at Norge Village Cleaners and for many years as a buyer and manager of Man’s World, both in Shurlington Plaza. After retirement, she assisted her daughter in her catering business until the age of 87. She was an active member of Cross Keys UMC where she served in numerous areas of ministry, working with the youth for many years, helping cook and plan family night dinners, senior luncheons each month and eventually serving as Senior Adult Coordinator. She was a member of the Mom’s Club for 50 years. Special thanks to the staff of John Wesley Villas for the concern and care they showed her while she resided there for many years and to the staff at Autumn Lane Health and Rehabilitation, where she had lived for the past few years.
Graveside services will be held at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens on Thursday at 11 am with the Reverend Mark Magoni and Reverend Steve Waldorf officiating. The family will greet friends after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Martha Bowman UMC, 500 Bass Road, Macon Georgia.
Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express tributes.
Snow's Memorial Chapel, Bass Road, has charge of arrangements.
