Mary Lea Hylemon Hardin, age 88, went to her Heavenly mansion to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday August 11, 2024.
A native of Yancey County she was born November 11, 1935, to the late John and Lena Willis Hylemon.
She was proceeded in death by her loving husband of fifteen years, Ralph Nelson Hardin. She was the last of 10 children. Sisters; Lillie Mae Hughes (Jason), and Octavia Austin (Charlie), and brothers; James, Robert, Tommy (Louise), Bruce (Edna), Hoyle (Betty), Kenneth, and Frank Hylemon.
She was a loving member of Shoal Creek Baptist Church and enjoyed the visits and singing provided by church members who regularly visited her. Mary Lea was known for keeping a notebook of prayer request which she prayed over several times daily.
She was the loving mother of three children, whom she cherished and always put before herself. Her son, who reunites with her in Heaven, Stephen Hardin.
She is survived by two daughters, Brenda Hardin and Lisa Conner (Billy) and daughter-in-law Katie Hardin. She has 7 grandchildren, Starla Blanton (Justin), Stephanie Virsu (Xavier), Lacey Greene, James Hardin, Dillon Conner (Gabrielle), Lea Lipe (Wesley) and Chandler Hardin (Ali). Mrs. Hardin was the Great Grandmother to 8 precious children. Brayden, Vena Mary Lea, Alex, Conner, Caitlyn, Bennett, Adaline, Maya Leigh, and a baby girl on the way, Charlie. She is also survived by two special sisters-in-law: Dottie Hylemon and Edith Hylemon and many loving nieces and nephews.
Mary Lea enjoyed bowling with her sisters, and sister-in laws on a bowling league for many years. She loved working outdoors in her flowers, going shopping, and reading books, especially the Bible. Everyone who knew her always admired her kindness and compassion for others. Mrs. Hardin will also be remembered for spreading the gospel and bringing her family and others to the Lord.
Receiving of friends will be Wednesday, August 14th; at Shoal Creek Baptist Church from 2 – 3 pm, Celebration of Life at 3 p.m, Burial will follow at Bee Log Cemetery.
Rev. Tim Hylemon, Rev. Dick Westbrook and Rev. Jerry Shelton will officiate.
Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Hardin family.
Online condolences may be made at www.holcombebrothersfuneralhome.com
