Frances Williams Hardy

Frances Williams Hardy passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, at the age of 98 at Queen City Nursing Home.  Frances was born on December 23, 1926 to Dr Frederick Lamar and Alla Gene Williams in Helena, Arkansas.  The family relocated to Philadelphia, MS when Frances was a small child where she spent her formative years.  Frances was widowed at a very young age with two small children. She returned to college at Millsaps in Jackson, Mississippi earning a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Library Science.  Frances served as librarian at Meridian Community College from 1958 to 1987 and was a member of MCC’s Talon Club.

After her retirement, she worked at the Craft College in Meridian, Mississippi.  Frances was an excellent seamstress and used her skill to serve others by making baby gowns for Silent Layette. In the 1990’s Frances chaired a committee to design and make Advent banners for Trinity Presbyterian Church which are still being used today.  She remained a faithful member of Trinity for over 71 years.

Frances suffered from macular degeneration late in life.  In spite of life’s challenges, Frances never complained. She was a great encourager of others.   Frances embodied the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. She was a shining example for everyone who was privileged to know her.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband, James Hubert Hardy, her daughter, Janet Merz, of Meridian, MS and her sister, Gene Finlay of Denton, TX.  Frances is survived by her daughter, Carol Jute, of Henderson, Nevada, a grandson, Stephen Cummings of Meridian, Mississippi, and a granddaughter, Jennifer Merz of French Settlement, LA.

There will be a Celebration of Life of Frances Williams Hardy at Trinity Presbyterian Church (under new ownership of Covenant Global Methodist Church) at 4223 Poplar Springs Drive Thursday, September 25, with visitation in Ludlum Hall at 9:30 am – coffee and refreshments will be served and Celebration of Life at 10:00 am in the church sanctuary.