Merle Rose Hardy

Mrs. Merle Rose Hardy, 92, of Biloxi, MS, went to be with our Lord Friday, October 29, 2010, in Biloxi. Mrs. Hardy was born in Paris, Arkansas and was one of 11 children. She moved to Mississippi upon marriage to Elza "Bully" Albert Hardy in 1936. They eventually made Biloxi their home where they raised 7 children and continued to live the rest of their lives. Her lifelong vocation was caring for and giving to not only her family but all who came to know her. She was known for her love of people and animals, always willing to nurture anyone in need. She was a member of East Howard Baptist Church in Biloxi. Mrs. Hardy was preceded in death by her husband, Elza Albert Hardy; her eldest son, Bob Albert Hardy; granddaugher, Kimberly Ann Mills; son-in-law, Gary Strong; and great-grandson, Christian Tyler Hardy. She is survived by two daughters, Deanna Strong of Biloxi, and Marilyn Hill (Al Senulis) of Destrehan, LA; four sons, Billy Ray (Sandra) Hardy of Biloxi, Eddie Hardy of D'Iberville, Charles (Mary) Hardy of Ocean Springs, and Mike Hardy of D'Iberville; nine grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren. Flowers are welcomed or donations may be made in memory of Mrs. Hardy to the Back Bay Mission, 1021 Division St., Biloxi, MS 39530 (www.thebackbaymission.org)) or the Humane Society of South MS, 2615 25th Ave., Gulfport, MS 39501-4832 (www.hssm.org). Funeral services will be Wednesday, November 3, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, in Biloxi where friends may visit from 9 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow in Biloxi City Cemetery.