On November 19, 1958, in the small town of DeQuincy, LA, Myrtis Marie Hardy was born as the third child of the union of Haywood Hardy and Cecelia Pullard Hardy. Myrtis was a kind and loving child whose sweet tooth earned her the name “Candy,” which stayed with her throughout her life.
Myrtis matriculated through Grand Avenue and DeQuincy schools, with a desire to become a lawyer. Her plans changed when, at the age of 18, she married her childhood sweetheart, Alvin Skinner, Jr. She would spend the next 48+ years advocating, counseling, and championing her family, which was the pride of her life. Over the years, she was employed by Greenhill Nursing Home and supported her husband as an independent contractor providing delivery services to the Lake Charles American Press. Myrtis’ “green thumb” and excellent cooking were regularly applauded, but her untiring commitment to her family was overwhelmingly her greatest accomplishment.
Anyone who knew Myrtis knew that she was a woman of faith. It was impossible to talk to her without hearing her mention God and seeing her exemplify Him through her love and kindness. The roots of her faith began at an early age attending Morning Star Baptist Church under Reverend Allen Gillespie, which was located next door to the home of her grandparents, John Carlton and Ophelia Pullard. Upon marrying, she became a member of First Church of God in Christ under Elder (later Bishop) O.B. Pete, Sr., then Elder Clifton David, and now Elder Mark Sanders. Although quiet and unassuming, Myrtis was excited about the revitalization of First COGIC and additionally was a frequent virtual visitor and supporter of the church pastored by her son, Greater Darlington Church of God in Christ in Greensburg, LA.
After a brief illness, Myrtis transitioned to the Church Triumphant on Saturday morning, March 8, 2025, at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, after having continuously been surrounded by her family.
She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Alvin Skinner, Jr.; her five children- Pastor Frederick DeMond (Angel) Skinner of Zachary, LA; Lalita S. (Elton) Goodwin of Ragley, LA; Steven (Talisha) Skinner and Matthew Skinner of DeQuincy, LA; and Joshua (Isabelle) Skinner of North Bay, Ontario, Canada; eleven grandchildren- Jaliyah, Jazharra, Madison, Xavier, Mason, Micah, Malise, Brooklyn, Paige, Paiton, and Benjamin; siblings- Betty Jo Hardy Cotlong, John Hardy, Hazel Roy, Howard Ceasar, Sr. and Harry Jake Ceasar of DeQuincy; Minister Joe Everett (Deona) Hardy of Manvel, TX; Jimmy Hardy of Houston, TX; her father-in-law, Alvin Skinner, Sr. of DeQuincy; brothers and sisters in law, Brenda S. (Pastor David) Iles; Marvin Simmons; Margaret S. (Gary) Brown; Charles (Carolyn) Skinner; and Peggy S. (Pastor Derwin) Poindexter. She also leaves a godson who was especially dear to her, Roy Bradley, along with aunts and uncles, and a host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Ophelia H. Acker; brother, Haywood Ceasar; mother in law, Lucinda Skinner; brothers and sisters in law, James Skinner, Pastor Gary and Cherlyn Skinner, and Vessa S. Simmons; nephew, Vernon Cotlong, Jr.; and niece, LaCresha Ross.
A Celebration of Myrtis Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15, in First Church of God In Christ in DeQuincy. Pastor Mark Sanders will officiate. Burial will be in Community Cemetery in DeQuincy under the direction of Hixson-Snider Funeral Home. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of service Saturday in the church.
