Brenda Faye Craft Hardy

She was the most generous, kind, and loving individual that God ever created. Everyone that met her fell in love with her kind spirit but make no mistake, she could take care of business when needed. God blessed our family and friends with 77 short years with 33 of those years as a cafeteria manager with Craven County School System, until her retirement in 2008. She was always there for any of us no matter the time of day or what was needed of her. She was Alysa and Donna's road trip partner! We shared many trips together whether it was a cheer competition, Ainsley’s Race, concert, or just simply getting out of the house. I know at times she did not feel well but that never stopped her from getting in my car.

She had a caring and generous spirit and a heart as big as the universe and would help anyone in her power or simply being a listening ear at any hour of need. She had many friends that were near and dear to her heart, we called some of them the "Soap Opera Gossip Column." She was a fighter, and we knew she was strong, but we didn’t know just how strong until we witnessed how she fought so hard to stay with us. In spirit we know she did not want to leave us, but her body had worked so hard, and it was tired and worn down, that Jesus knew his child could not endure anymore pain and suffering. We thank God for all the memories and special times we shared with her. We know she is reunited with our daddy and many other loved ones. What a celebration in Heaven as she took her last breath on this earth and entered the Gates of Heaven!

She is survived by her son, Ron Hardy of Vanceboro; two daughters, Donna Williford (Jerry) of Vanceboro and Ann Powell (Tony) of Richlands; six grandchildren, Jake Williford (Taegan), Alysa Williford, Samantha Hardy, James Stevenson, Mark Powell (Denise) and Ashley Coston (Jeremy); seven great-grandchildren, Matthew Powell, Mason Powell, Andrew Coston, Lucas Coston, Nathan Coston, Jace Coston and Baby Williford, expected in July; and close friend, Joseph T. Simmons.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Hardy.

The family will receive friends at Cotten Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm and other times at the home of Donna and Jerry Williford located at 121 Swift Creek Rd, Vanceboro. Funeral will be at 1:00 pm on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at Cotten Funeral Home with burial following at Greenleaf Memorial Park. Pastor Johnny Clark of Gospel Outreach FWD Church, Cove City, NC and Pastor Steve Mercer of Trenton Pentecostal Holiness Church, Trenton, NC will be officiating the service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cottenfuneralhome.com for the Hardy family.