Nellie M. Hardy

Nellie Mae Hardy was born on February 19, 1935, to proud, honorable parents, Arthur Franklin and Lula Belle Corbitt. She lived a life rooted in love, resilience, dignity, faith, and devotion to her family and community. 

Nellie attended Myrtle Beach Colored School during her primary years. She graduated from Whittemore High School in Conway, South Carolina, which, at the time, was the only high school in Horry County that educated Black students. Her educational journey reflected determination and perseverance during a difficult period in history, values she carried gracefully throughout her life. Nell dedicated more than thirty years of faithful service as a United States Postal Inspector before retiring. She took great pride in her work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to serving others. Her career reflected the same integrity, discipline, and strength that she carried throughout every aspect of her life. 

As the years passed, Nell’s faith and love for the Lord grew stronger. She faithfully attended Sandy Grove Missionary Baptist Church until finding her home in Chicago. She called Kendrick Memorial Missionary Baptist Church her home, where she served as Nurse secretary and Sunday School Superintendent. Her faith remained an important foundation in her life, guiding her with grace, compassion, and strength through every season. 

Nellie was especially known for her profound etiquette in the kitchen. Her home was often filled with the comforting aromas of freshly baked pound cakes and sweet potato pies that brought family, friends, and neighbors together. Many gathered not only for her delicious baking but also for the warmth and love she put into every meal she prepared. During the holidays, her family happily gathered around the table to indulge in her palate of creative home-cooked favorites. 

Nell was the proud mother of two sons, Richard James and Willie Corbitt, and a loving mother-in-law to Sandra Corbitt, wife of Willie Corbitt. Through her family, she was blessed with beloved grandchildren, Daveoone (Kevin), Willie Jr. (Shannon), Steven, and Ashley. Later in life, she found even greater joy in being cherished by her seven great-grandchildren, Nekira, Nala, Elijah, Nia, Benjamin, Rhylee, and Ella, each of whom brought immense happiness and pride into her life. Nellie Mae Hardy will be dearly missed and forever cherished by all who had the blessing of knowing and loving her. 

Nell was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Arthur Franklin and Lula Belle Corbitt; her sisters, Evelyn Cooper and Ida Mae Nesbitt; and her special niece, Thelma Keith. She also leaves behind a loving legacy through a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will continue to honor and cherish her memory. 

She will forever be remembered for her kindness, wisdom, strength, unwavering faith, and devotion to family. Her legacy lives on through the traditions she created, the love she shared, and the generations of family who were blessed by her presence.

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