Ms. Carolyn V. Hardy 69 passed away Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at home surrounded by her loving family.
Carolyn Virginia Hardy was born on July 26, 1953, in Bulloch County, Georgia, to the late Margreat H.
Thomas Kent and the late William Edward Benemon.
In her early years, Carolyn graduated with honors from William James High School class of 1970 in
Statesboro, GA. After graduation, Carolyn married Joseph James Hardy and moved to Savannah, GA,
and to this union six children were born. Carolyn was a praying mother, she loved God and she raised
her children up in the way of God.
Carolyn was very family oriented, she loved her family unconditionally. She was a loving mother and
grandmother, she was also known as “Ma Carolyn”. She was truly the “Matriarch” of the family, she
was a great listener, an encourager, she freely gave and helped others, she was very loving and
hospitable, and she had many bonus children because she would opened her home up to many of her
children’s friends in the neighborhood. She had a big heart and had such a motherly love for many. She
treated everyone she met with kindness. Ma Carolyn loved family gatherings. Enjoying family and
friends was always a highlight in her life.
Ma Carolyn was an exceptional cook, she worked as a cook for many years. She showcased her
leadership and culinary skills at Shoney’s, Western Steer, and the Board of Education at Hodge
Elementary and at the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office. She was known for her delicious dishes like
turkey & dressing, mac and cheese and collard greens. Ma Carolyn was also very smart, she was good at
articulating words and expressing herself through speaking and writing. In addition to this, she loved to
read, watch TV and take family trips.
Later in life things took a turn for Ma Carolyn, she had to face some challenging health issues. Despite
all she went through, she continued to fight, and she won many battles. Her warm, loving, pleasant and
sometimes comical personality always shined bright and was not hindered by the pain and discomfort
she often endured. Her strength and resilience was remarkable and amazing. She was greatly admired,
respected and loved by her children and many others. On May 17, 2023, Ma Carolyn was called to
eternal rest. She fought a good fight.
She was preceded in death; by her parents, Thomas Andrews Sr., her two brothers Herman Benemon,
and Antonio Andrews.
Carolyn’s passing has left a void in her family’s heart that can never be replaced but only filled with
wonderful memories. She leaves to cherish her memories; One beloved daughter, Trina (Kabiru) Razaq;
five loving sons, Joseph (Kenyatta) Hardy, Brian (Sabrina) Hardy, Cameron Hardy, Jamerson Hardy, and
Lionel Hardy all of Savannah, Georgia; Eight beloved sisters, Patricia Jenkins, Brenda Harrison, both of
Register, Ga, Hattie Benemon, Pamela Denson, both of Statesboro, GA, Jena Benemon, Margaret
Andrews, both of Savannah Ga, Judy Carlisle of Covington, GA, Jamie Cornish Armstrong, Seven loving
brothers, Dean Benemon, Emory Benemon both of Register, GA, John Benemon of Statesboro, Ga,
James Edward (Delta) Cornish II of Savannah, GA, Thomas Andrews of Winter Haven, Florida, Ricky
(Valerie) Andrews of Florence, SC, and Donnie Andrews of Savannah, Ga. Sixteen grandchildren, four
great grands, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and other relatives
and friends.