Jacquelyn "Jackie" Story Hardy

Jacquelyn “Jackie” Story Hardy, 87, of Turner County passed away Friday, November 22, 2024 at Maple Court in Tifton.

Jackie was born on November 18, 1937 in Ashburn to the late James Livingston and Beulah P. Pitts Story. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. Jackie, along with her husband Charles, were the owners of Hardy’s Flowers in Ashburn for many years. She loved working in the yard and especially loved her flowers. She was known to be a great cook and enjoyed feeding friends and family. The Hardys had a passion for living out their ministry. They had a selfless love for those in need, especially children. The Hardys supported the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home and would invite children to come spend the holidays with them. Many times, the Hardy Family would have visitors for Sunday lunch. Those visitors quickly became honorary Hardys and would always get an invitation back for the next family meal. Jackie loved her family dearly, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jackie is survived by her daughters, Phyllis H. Pilkinton of Sycamore and Lisa H. (David) Kingry of Cordele; son, Randy (Debra) Hardy of Ashburn; brother, Bill Story of Fitzgerald; grandchildren, Jessica (Clay) Watson, Derek (Brittany) Pilkinton, Brandon (Kimberly) Hardy, Jonathan (Loni) Kingry, Rachel Kingry, Lydia (Hal) Tyson and Daniel (Bekah) Hardy; great-grandchildren, Addison and Bowen Watson, Lynie, Lily and Wilson Pilkinton, Annabelle and Finn Hardy, Parker, Beckett and Charlie Kingry, John Tyson, Raegan, Lincoln and Ollie Hardy.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles E. Hardy; grandchildren, Darby Lyn Pilkinton and Eli Griffin; brother, Conrad Story.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Bethel Baptist Church with visitation immediately following the service. Interment will be private. The family will be receiving friends at the home of Randy and Debra Hardy, 398 Monroe Road, Ashburn, Georgia 31714.

While flowers will be accepted, for those who wish, please make memorial donations to the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home, PO Box 329, Palmetto, Georgia 30268.

The Hardy family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of Maple Court and Traditions Hospice for their wonderful care of Mrs. Hardy.