Oreatha Cumberlander Hardy
Passed 03/01/2022
Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Oreatha Cumberlander Hardy will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. ET on the Grounds of the St. John Baptist Church, 820 North Cherry Drive, Lanett, AL. 36863. Interment will follow in the Hill Crest Garden immediately following the service.
A Guest Registry will be available for signing on Friday, March 11, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 pm at the mortuary.
The words of the Apostle Paul in II Timothy 4:6-8 describe the serviceable and faithful life of Oreatha Cumberlander Hardy: A long life spent in teaching, leading and uplifting mankind.
Oreatha Cumberlander, the third youngest of eleven children, was born in Chambers County Alabama to Myrtee and Charlie Cumberlander. Early in life and throughout life, she expressed faith in Christ. Oreatha joined the St. John Baptist Church where she was an active member under the pastoral leadership of Rev. C. L. Williams. Through the years at St. John, she served as Sunday School teacher, Superintendent of Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Director and Chairperson of: Christian Education, Steering Committee, Deacons Wives, Alabama Circle and Secretary and Vice President of Missionary Society. Oreatha attended public school in Chambers County, Alabama. She graduated from Lanier High School in Lanett, Alabama. Following high school, she attended Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. She furthered her education at Auburn University specializing in reading and received certification in teaching modern math at Florida A&M University and Savannah State University.
Oreatha attended the December Conference of Christian Education in Nashville, Tennessee and the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education receiving certifications as Congress teacher, Assistant Dean and Dean for several years.
On September 18, 1954, she was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to James A. Hardy. To this union two children were born; Anthony Andrew and Sybil Suzette (Sybil died as an infant). They were married for 58 years until his death November 20, 2012. Mrs. Hardy spent many years as a teacher. For 31 years, she taught in the Lanett City School System where she taught two generations of students. After retiring from the school system, Mrs. Hardy tutored kindergarten children at Central Elementary School in Lanett and taught Adult Education for a while under the auspices of the Chambers County Board of Education.
She also served as a member of the Board of Registrars in Chambers County for several years and as an Inspector at the Rescue Squad Polling Precinct.
Mrs. Hardy was active in civic, fraternal and club work. She served in an official capacity in the following areas; Qui Vive Civic Club, Shavers Pride #853 Order of the Eastern Star, Theta Xi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Alabama State University Alumni Association, Alabama Federated Women’s Club, and Chambers County Retired Education Association.
Sister Hardy was also an outstanding Baptist Convention leader. She served many years at the district, state, and local levels. At the district level, she served as financial secretary, recording secretary and President of the Bowen East District Women’s Convention. She served as 1st Vice President of the North East District Women’s Auxiliary, and on the state level, she served as historian and 2nd Vice President of Alabama Baptist State Women’s Auxiliary. As the 2nd Vice President, she was one of the writers of lessons that were published in the “Guide for Christian Workers” which was used by the senior missionary societies of the state. She also coordinated the lecturers for the convention. On the national level, Sister Hardy served for several years as the liaison leader for the state of Alabama in the “Women in White” march.
After many years of service, the soul of this faithful servant transitioned from earth to heaven as her Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ called her home on March 1st, 2022 around 5:30 P.M.
Sister Hardy’s legacy lives on as a strong Christian woman who remained humble, modest, and unpretentious. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, community leader and matriarch. She prevailed in her generosity, kindness and her attempt to make life pleasant for her family, friends and community at large.
Oreatha’s parents and many of her siblings preceded her in death. They are Matilda, Eppie, Charlie Jr., Sallie Ruth, Frankie, Myrtle, Mitchell, Martha and Virginia.
Precious memories are in the hearts of those who remain to cherish her: Anthony Andrew (Juana) Fayetteville, GA and granddaughter, Stephanie Hardy (Christopher) Tate, and great granddaughter, Christina Alise Tate Fayetteville, GA, B. Kate Johnson, New York, NY (the youngest and only remaining sibling), and brother “n” law Robert Stuart Hardy, Brewton, Al.; the entire Hardy and Cumberlander families; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins; God Daughters, Connie Walton and Mary Mitchell, and an army of devoted caregivers.
Arrangements by M. W. Lee Mortuary of West Point, GA.