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and social distancing.
Oar (Sin cere (Appreciation
We, the family of Carolyn Ann Lake Hardy, wish to
thank all who have been so very kind to us during this
difficult time. We have sustained a great loss and your
expressions of love and kindness are comforting to us.
At this time, we extend our sincere appreciation. May
God continue to bless each of you.
Professional Services Entrusted To
G. L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary
Aiken, South Carolina
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Retired Major Carolyn Ann Lake Hardy entered into eternal rest on
Friday, August 14, 2020 at the age of 72. She was born on January 18, 1948
in Aiken, South Carolina to the late Simpson and Ruth Holmes Lake. She
was a member of Valley Fair Baptist Church where she played her first song
on the piano at age 12. That is when she first started to fall in love with
music.
Throughout grade school, she continued her passion for music learning to
play multiple instruments. Eventually it led her to Levelle McCampbell for
high school where she was not only the only African American member of
their band but also the first African American to graduate in 1966.
After making a part of Graniteville history, she went on to Paine College in
Augusta, Ga to complete her degree in elementary education. Not forgetting
her first passion of music, she went to USC, Coulmbia, SC and Augusta
University to complete her degree in music then took it upon herself to start
her teaching career in Augusta, GA as a music teacher.
After three years of teaching, she decided to further her education and went
into the United States Air Force in 1976 to do so. During her time in the
military, she played the organ and piano at multiple Chapels as she
completed her assignments over multiple states. She did a tour in Korea and
meet some long lasting friends along the way. She met her husband in
Mountain Home, Idaho and got married in 1979 to the late Howard E.
Hardy. In 1989, she adopted Jessica; her first daughter and in 1993, she
adopted Angelica. After faithfully serving 20 years in the Air Force, she
retired as a Major in 1996. From there she moved back home to Graniteville,
South Carolina where she and Howard had their home built.
Carolyn took care of her aunt, mother, father, and sisters. Upon her return,
she started back playing at Valley Fair Baptist Church and other churches
when needed. She decided to use her elementary education degree and began
teaching at the Minnie Palmore House. Also, she taught at Bettis
Preparatory Leadership Academy. Carolyn was very involved in Church,
running Friday night children bible study, a member of the AT Steven Choir
since 1963 and was the minister of music from the time she moved back
home. She loved to sing and hear others sing, even if you didnt know how,
she was willing to teach you. She didnt care if you sung off key as long as
you sung. She taught piano lessons at Augusta Mini Theater for many years.
Carolyn also joined the Aiken Civic Orchestra in which she was a violinist.
Carolyn loved so much and so many. She was the sweetest and most caring
person. She enjoyed eating and being funny. She enjoyed a good parade. She
loved to talk and did it very well. She never met a stranger. She touched so
many people. She had a love for cats and had them everywhere; three at
home, three at both of her sisters houses and was even feeding cats outside
of stores if she saw them. She loved her family and was known to always be
with her sister, Sylvia. You didnt see one without the other. She wanted to
stay up to date so she would have Angelica teach her about technology and
go shopping for her. Anything she asked for, Angelica made sure to get it.
She loved try ing to push both of her daughters towards her dreams for them.
She convinced Jessica to start teaching. She also made sure to introduce her
daughters to the love of music.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard E. Hardy; sister, Theresa
Lake; father and mother, Simpson and Ruth Lake. Surviving family
members include; her two daughters, Jessica Hardy and Angelica Hardy
of Graniteville, SC; step-daughter, Jonne (Eric Sr.) Hardy-Johnson of
Hampton, VA; one sister, Sylvia Lake of Graniteville, SC. Also surviving
are two grandchildren, Oscar Johnson and Eric Johnson Jr. and one great
grandson. Counted among her survivors are two sisters-in-law, Phyllis Porter
of Hampton, VA. and Gayle Hardy of Richmond, VA; very dear friends
from grade school, college, and military, her church family, neighbors and so
many others.
0ervice
2:00 P.M.
Thursday, August 20, 2020
Sunset Memorial Gardens
Langley, South Carolina
Reverend Troy Nipper, Officiating
V
(Order of dfervice
Processional
f
I
?Selection
Aiken Civic Orchestra
Reflections
Jeffery Anderson
Violin Solo
Adam DePriest
Words of Comfort
Reverend G. L. Brightharp
Solo
Renea Williams
Eulogy
Reverend Troy Nipper
Committal
Benediction
i
Recessional