Naomi Hicks (Holsey) Hardy

Mrs. Naomi Holsey Hicks Hardy, of 231 Martin Luther King Drive, Milledgeville, Georgia passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at Navicent Health Baldwin, Milledgeville.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 12 NOON from the Flipper Chapel AME Church, Milledgeville, Georgia, Rev. David Luke, Pastor. Interment followed in the Hicks Family Cemetery, Milledgeville, Georgia.

Mrs. Naomi Holsey Hicks Hardy was born on April 11, 1916 in Hancock County, Deveaux, Georgia.  Her parents were the late Paul Holsey and Clyde Chandler Holsey.  She dearly loved her parents and her siblings, James Isaiah, Henry, Nathaniel, Paul, Alex, Lucious, Tiothy, Francis, Annie B. Otelia, Ruth, Pauline, Marie, Dorothy, Anna, and Ella.

She was blessed to have been reared in a home where Christian teachings and principles were taught by precept and example.  She learned this lesson well.  Her favorite Hymn, “I Love Thy Church O God” “Amazing Grace” and “Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior.”

At an early age she joined Pearson Chapel A.M.E. Church in Hancock County.  After moving to Milledgeville she joined Flipper Chapel A.M.E. Church where she served faithfully as a trustee, Stewardess, Choir member, Women’s Missionary Society, and Sunday school teacher.  She loved her church and worked admirably in the church until her health began to fail.  She received many honors and accolades for her active support and participation in church, community and civic causes.  She was one of the Mothers of her church, an active member of The Baldwin County Retired Educators Association, and The Laura Austin Savings Club, Queen Ester Chapter of The Eastern Stars, Fort Valley State University Alumni Association.

She always exhibited a thirst for knowledge and was determined at an early age to become a teacher.  She graduated Valedictorian from Eddy High School in Milledgeville, Georgia.  She attended Fort Valley State College, and Georgia College.  She was always anxious to learn, and a fast learner.  She began teaching in 1936.  She loved working with young people, and wanted to see them succeed.  She taught and substituted for over 40 years.  Her love and passion for teaching young people transcended the classroom.  She touched the lives of many children and adults in Baldwin County.  Because of her love and dedication to young people, The Naomi Holsey Hicks Hardy Scholarship fund was initiated in 2012 with generous support from family and friends.  Scholarships have been awarded to many high school students wanting to persue their education.  Her legacy continues!!

In 1946 she met and married Edward Hicks (Son).  They were married for over twenty four years before his death, to this union nine children beautiful children were born Ruth, Samuel, Roxie Edwina, Barbara, Nettie, Edna, Henry, Edward and Paulette.  Two died in infancy, seven lived to adulthood.  All finished high school, and four finished college.  She married the second time in 1973 to a wonderful man name Marion Hardy (Bart).  They loved each other dearly and enjoyed a wonderful life until his death.

Mrs. Hardy received numerous accolades for her many years of faithful service to her church and community.  She was recognized at the Martin Luther King Celebration at Georgia College by the 100 Black Men of Milledgeville for her civic service, awarded the humanitarian award, and acknowledged for her commitment to education and community in Baldwin County.  Along with congratulatory letters from President Obama, Congressman John Lewis, Mayor Parham Copelan of Milledgeville, and Governor Kemp of Georgia.  She lived a long and productive life.  “Mrs. Hardy’s life was a life well lived.”  She was well loved and respected by all who knew her.

Mrs. Hardy was preceded in death by her husbands, Edward Hicks, and Marion Hardy. Children, Ruth Hicks, Henry Hicks, Samuel Hicks, Roxie Edwina Hicks Jackson, Edward Hicks, and Paulette Hicks.

Mrs. Hardy leaves to cherish her memories and celebrate her legacy three devoted daughters, Mrs. Barbara Ann Garnes of Riverdale, Georgia, Mrs. Nettie Clyde Knox, Mrs. Edna Jean Stone (Johnny), both of Milledgeville, Georgia; a loving and devoted daughter-in-law, Lillian (Samuel) Hicks; fifteen grandchildren, Shedrick D. Knox, Latony Linita Knox, Vera Lavern Jackson Reeves, Roland Kelly Jr., Jodie Janette Mosley, Demetrius Hicks, Michael Ali, Richard Allen Hicks, Jamaal Hicks, Marcus Hicks, Nikki Simmons, Nia Warren, Eugene Garnes Jr., Nickalaus Simmons, Zavier Hicks;  22 grand children; four loving and devoted sisters, Mrs. Pauline Beasley, Mrs. Marie Blake, and Mrs. Ella Howell of Atlanta, Georgia, and Mrs. Anna Sellers of Washington D.C.  A host of loving,caring and devoted nieces and nephews, along with many loving friends.

She was a wonderful, loving and kind person. She was a retired educator. She passed at the young age of 103.  She was a blessing to many and she was truly blessed. She would be sadly missed.

You can express condolences in our guestbook.

In lieu flowers, the family is requesting donations to The Naomi Holsey Hicks Hardy Foundation Fund, c/o Barbara Garnes.

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