A celebration of the life, Evelyn Baranco Hardin, August 25, 1935-October 15, 2002, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2607 Lumpkin Road, Augusta, Georgia, October 18, 2002

2002 2003 SI
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Evelyn Louise Baranco Hardin was a gentle, pa .lent, and forgiving person

who rarely raised her voice and loved her family unconditionally. She departed

this life, on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2002, at the Medical Col-e;;e of Georgia Hospital,

after a brief illness and surgery.

Born August 25,1935 in Baton Rouge, La., to Dr. B.V. and Evelyn E.

Baranco. She was their first daughter and second child in a family of eight sisters

and brothers. After an early graduation from McKinley High School in Baton

Rouge, LA, she entered Xavier University at age 17. Later, Evelyn-Louise earned

a bachelors degree in education from Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA,

Evelyn married Dr. Virgil M. Hardin of New O-leans, La., in 1954, and as

an Army wife, she lived in Germany and in many areas if the U.S. They raised

four children: Virgil M. Hardin II of Cincinnati, OH, Btverly Andrea Hardin

Conklin of Allentown, PA, Mildred L. Hardin Jackson of North Augusta, SC, and Michael L. Hardin of Gadsden, AL.

A woman of deep faith and devotion, Evelyn was a secular Franciscan, a

member of the Third Order of St. Francis. Over the yea~s, she vigorously demonstrated her faith and served as a regional officer . nd helped charter a

chapter on St. Simons Island, SC. An active member of her church, St. Joseph

Catholic Church, Evelyn was a catechist for many years, a member of one of the

churchs prayer groups, and a lay minister.

A beautiful, loving, and supportive wife, mother, and grandmother, ;

Evelyn, as many mothers are, was the touchstone of her family. She was proud and accepting, in a confident way, of the roles she managed, first as an Army

officers wife, having to move when ordered to and maintain a sense of decorum in

the face of difficulty and challenges that are often a part of Army life. Also, as a mother, who adored and treasured her four beautiful children whom, along with Virgil, she nurtured and held close to know the love ard security of immediate

family and extended family. Then, as a grandmother, she was excited by every

visit and savored the joy of being a part of her grandchildrens lives.

While overseas, she taught at independent Ame lean schools, and

continued her career as a teacher in the states, teaching kindergarten through

fourth grades. She eventually left teaching due to an earlier illness, however, she

later returned to teaching as a catechist.

Evelyn was a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and over the

year; participated in many capacities, including holding the office of chaplain for

many years. She was sure to let you know of her legacy that her mother, her

aunts, and sisters, were all Deltas.

:

To her sisters and brothers, she was Evelyn-Louise, keeper of traditions,

networking, reaching out and staying in touch, staying i!i the faith. There are no

how-to books on being oldest daughter, but Evelyn-Louise who was innately and physically beautifully, was soft-spoken and blessed wi$h !an attractive naivete. She

was dutiful and a team player. Her parents adored he ; nd supported her, and she set the stage aglow as a debutante, Queen of the Original Illinois Club, one of the oldest African American social clubs in New Orleani, LA. It was there when

she and Virgil began their journey together.

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Onden, o S&wice

Entrance

"Be Not Afraid"

Liturgy ofthe Word Old Testament Reading WISDOM 3:1-9 MaryZipter

::. Responsorial Psalm

PSALM 23 "The Lord Is My Shepherd" Joann Cook

New Testament Reading. iTHESSALONIANS 4:13-18 Marianne Barbaz

Alleluia Verse

REVELATION 14:13

Gospel -\:.

,

;. Father John Lyons

.; .

Eulogies ':''



'.:;. ;

' Mildred Hardin Jackson V . Michael L. Hardin ^ Dee Jaskawski
.. Father Andrew Doris

Liturgy ofthe Eucharist

"His Eye is on the Sparrow", (solo) Vocalist - Joann Cook Organist - Dave Clark

Presentation ofthe Gifts Prayer over the Gifts Invitation to Prayer Prayer of Commendation

Gregory and Juanita Baranco '':..*;*. '

Communion ','.- Recessional

"I Am the Bread of Life" "How Great Thou Art"

To her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Evelyn's home was always open and all were welcome. She relished every gathering, small and intimate, or a major celebration. Always, at Virgil's side, and Virgil at hers, her Hardin family and her Baranco family, no matter how far flung, were an important part of her family community.
Evelyn-Louise always created her community, wherever she found herself, and gathered an extended family around her. Everyone who was blessed to share her community can tell a fond story of being with Evelyn. She was truly a witness to her faith, always doing for others, seeking peace and resolution, and trusting in God's plan.
She is survived by her husband, Dr.Virgil M. Hardin, retired Colonel (U.S. Army) and Medical College of GA; her children: Beverly Andrea Hardin Conklin of Allentown, PA, Mildred L. Hardin (L. Namon) Jackson of North Augusta, SC, Virgil M. (Angila) Hardin II of Cincinnati, OH, Michael L.(Dr. Regina) Hardin of Gaston, AL; four grandchildren: Christopher, Rachel, and Robert Jackson, and Lane Matthew Conklin; sis ters and brothers: Vivian Robertson and Dr. Patricia Baranco, both of Baton Rouge, La., and Bette B. (Richard) Bland of Orange, NJ; Dr. Raphael ( Terry) Baranco of Lafayette, LA, and Gregory (Juanita) Baranco of Lithonia, GA; Dr. Joseph A. (Cecilia) Hardin of New Orleans, LA, Lovida Hardin (Atty. William T.) Coleman of McLean, VA, Robert (Elaine) Hardin of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, Jesse (Nicole) Hardin of New Orleans, LA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. B.V. and Evelyn Baranco, a sister, Vera Anna Baranco, and a brother, Beverly V. Baranco IV.

After thoughts

This bitter cup that took Evelyn from us came surreptitiously and swiftly, but she accepted it with calm and a submission to her faith. She had said just days before that whatever God had planned for her she was ready to receive. As her daughter, Mildred, and 1 prepared passages about her, Mil dred found the following journaling. We thought we would share these final words from her:
" Another way would have been a very one-sided life, sheltered from all and mostly pain-free, and how sad I would have been had I only come to know a "select few" of my brethren. But knowing God loves each and every one of us, how rich my life has been for having chosen the better of the two, that of the road less traveled, to be in the company of each of you."

We will miss her.

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In lieu of flowers, please send donations to either:

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St. Joseph Catholic Church 2607 Lumpkin Rd.
August, GA 30906

or to Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History & Conference Center 1116 Phillips St.
Augusta, GA 30901

Pallbearers Latimer Blount James Corley Chester Jaskawski Leonard Betts