BIOGRAPHY

Willie Mae Hardy was born in Junction City, Georgia, USA, on 11 March 1908. The granddaughter of a slave, she worked on a farm and in the cotton fields while caring for her six younger siblings. Though she had to leave school at an early age to support her family, she deeply valued education and taught herself to read and write.

In 1939, after the birth of her only child, Cassie Neil, she moved to Atlanta in search of a better life. There, she met the love of her life, Frank, and became a devoted member of Butler Street Baptist Church. She remained an active member for the rest of her life, serving in various roles for more than 72 years.

In 1966, following the sudden passing of her son-in-law from cancer, she moved to Decatur to help raise her seven grandchildren. She lived in Decatur for the rest of her life, caring for her growing family and working as a housekeeper for over 60 years before retiring in the 1980s.

Willie Mae Hardy passed away in Decatur, on 11 December 2019, at the age of 111 years, 275 days.

RECOGNITION

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Georgia woman celebrating her 111th birthday” – FOX 10 Phoenix, 11 March 2019

* “Willie Mae Hardy, Georgia’s oldest living citizen, passes away at 111” – FOX 5 Atlanta, 12 December 2019

GALLERY