October 18, 2020, 86, Wilmington
Wilmington-Barbara Hardy Barr, 86, passed away early Sunday morning, October 18, 2020. Barbara was born March 3, 1934 in downtown La Grange on the corner of Main Street and Washington, just above the liquor store, to the late Edward Hardy and Carrie Gray Hardy Jones. Barbara has lived in Wilmington for the past 64 years.
Barbara’s career as a licensed practical nurse spanned over forty years and brought her immense pride and pleasure. For most of her career, she worked in the office of Dr. Robert J. Andrews.
Barbara was known to be rather eccentric, which made everyone who met her immediately fall in love. Her love for jewelry was unique, as she believed “the gaudier, the better”. Wherever she was, there was no doubt that she’d be the focus of the party. For many years, wherever she went, her life-sized dummy rode along in the back seat of her car.
Family ties and roots grounded Barbara. She was proud of her heritage in Jason and all that this community had meant for her family. For her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, there was none to compare to “Nana”. There was no bigger child at heart. She would often joke and play with them as if she was just as young. To her niece and nephews, she was easily the favorite with her practical jokes and pranks constantly going. To her family, Barbara was just “plain damn fun”.
With Barbara, there was never a filter: you got what you got and you knew where she stood. In every aspect of life, things were going to go her way, no matter what.
While living in Wilmington, Barbara gained the title of “Mayor” for Sound View Drive. It was her business to tend to everyone else’s, and they loved her for it. Breakfast outings with her friends at Hardees, going to auctions, and inviting friends over for fellowship on her porch were just a few of the things that endeared her to the locals.
Much to the chagrin of her family, Barbara was an absolute, die-hard, yellow dog democrat. Few things could displease her as much as even the thought of more President Trump. While the family mourns their loss, they find solace in knowing that the Biden/Harris ticket will receive one less vote.
A graveside service to celebrate and remember Barbara’s life will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Mewborn Family Cemetery.
Barbara is survived by her daughter, Connie Kearney Brooks and husband, Norman; two grandchildren, Carrie Brooks McDonnell and husband, Marc of Washington, DC, Henry Clifford “Hank” Brooks and wife, Cristina of Austin, TX; four great-grandchildren, Evan and Hadley Gray McDonnell, Ford and Shep Brooks; brother, Baxter Hardy and wife, Faye; three nephews, Scott Hardy, Chip Hardy, and Brett Savage; and a niece, Kim Savage. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her sister, Jan Hardy Roman.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Memorials may be made in Barbara’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105 or Jason Presbyterian Church, c/o Belinda Hilbourn, 7989 Highway 903 South, La Grange, NC 28551. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
