Joyce Hardy

On December 25, 2019, Joyce Hardy boarded a train once again where her final stop was heaven. She was greeted by many loved ones, but most importantly, her lifelong love, Frank Hardy.

Sarah Joyce Griffin Hardy was born February 17, 1917 to Addie Lee Adams and William Oddie Griffin in Eldorado, Oklahoma. Many knew Joyce to be a strong-willed and passionate woman, so it comes as no surprise that she threw caution to the wind and left home to marry her one true love, Frank Hardy.  The two were wed on November 13, 1937 in Moline, IL. He preceded her in death on July 25, 2008.

Joyce was the mother of Lorna (Tom) Brhel and Reba (Michael) Mooney. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, four sisters, her daughter, Lorna Brhel; two sons-in-law, Michael Mooney and Thomas Brhel; and two grandchildren, Mary Marie Brhel and Michael Lee Mooney, II.

She is survived by her daughter, Reba Mooney of Canton; three grandchildren, Christina (Christopher) Flynn of Morton; Joyce (Teodoro) Chavez of Spring, Texas, and Heather Mooney (Mickey Nelson) of Cottonwood Heights, Utah; six great-grandchildren, Nicholas Flynn of Arlington, Virginia; Zachary (Leah) Flynn of Sunnyland, Texas; LeeAnn Mooney of Silver Spring, Maryland; Blaine Mooney of San Antonio, Texas; and Lucian and Iliana Chavez of Spring, Texas; and many special nieces and nephews.

Joyce was surrounded by close friends her entire life, including Harry and Mary Flynn, Orville and Nellie Kuhn, and Bill and Helen Dodds. She had the pleasure of living next to neighbors that were more like family- Russell and Katherine Hedden and their entire family. Their daughter, Sharon Hedden Berry, was a life-long friend of Reba’s, and they were all there to greet Joyce upon her entry to heaven.

Throughout her life, Joyce had many jobs; the most important being a wife and mother to her daughters. A talented, self-taught seamstress, she put her gifts to good use as an alteration lady at Denny’s Dry Cleaner, sales and alterations at Hecht’s Women’s Clothing Store, Rogene’s Fashions, and Fashionaire. Lastly, she worked at Kirlin’s Hallmark Store and Andes Candies. When she wasn’t busy working outside her home, she and Frank tended to their abundant garden, which yielded hundreds of canned goods, as well as her own bottled ketchup.

Upon retirement, the Hardys returned to the Rio Grande Valley of Texas where she took up oil painting with her sister. As a result of her artistry, Joyce won many awards in the Fulton County Art shows. She and Frank were crowned Valentine King and Queen of the three Valley Tourist Clubs.  Their love for Texas earned them an honorary citizenship of Raymondsville, Texas.

She and Frank were life-long members of the First Baptist Church of Canton and of Raymondsville, Texas. At the time of her death, she was the oldest member in Canton’s church with 71 years.

Joyce lived a life full of joy and love. She will be remembered by her loved ones for her strength, wisdom, and her devotion to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Private burial was held at White Chapel Memory Gardens in Canton, IL. Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton was in charge of arrangements. To make online condolences you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com