Shirley Kennedy Hardy, 87, entered the presence of her Lord Jesus Christ on January 17, 2023 and passed away peacefully in her sleep. She was born in Perryville, TN to John Elvin and Mabel Reynolds Kennedy. After losing her father when she was very young, she later moved to Red Bank with her family and her new loving stepfather, Captain Harris D. Underwood. She received her education at Red Bank High School and Carson Newman College. During her time at Red Bank, she was a member of the National Honor Society, the Service Club, Tri-Hi-Y, girls’ state representative, senior class vice president, 4-year college cheerleader, co-captain of the college basketball team, and yearbook feature editor . In her senior year, she was crowned Miss Red Bank. She continued her education at Carson Newman College and earned a degree in elementary education. She has served as president of the Calliopean Literary Society, university cheerleader, and member of the touring a cappella choir. She was also listed in Who’s Who of American Colleges and Universities. While working at American Lava in Chattanooga, during Carson Newman’s summer break, she caught the attention of Warren Hardy, one of her young engineers. The couple soon became engaged with plans to marry after they graduate. She taught elementary school for a short time before marrying the love of her life. The couple began building their custom home, where Warren noted that Shirley was “very handy with a hammer and saw.” At the same time, they began building their family and welcomed two daughters, Jan and Kay. Shirley has been active in many community activities, taking on leadership roles in Senior Neighbors, Meals on Wheels, the Dallas Crest Garden Club, the Kosmos-Women’s Club, and the Chattanooga Symphony Guild. Shirley became e named one of America’s Outstanding Young Women in 1966. She earned her private pilot’s license and flew with her pilot husband both on business and for family pleasure. Shirley an d Warren also enjoyed extensive camping trips in her Airstream for over 40 years, touring the Blue Ridge Parkway, New England, Canada and many national parks around the country. Above all, she served the Lord and dedicated her life to the Church and family. She was a beautiful voice in the choir at 1st Presbyterian Church for over 40 years. She has served as President of the Women of the Church as well as a Sunday School teacher for early elementary school children. She was instrumental in starting the popular group for seniors at church called It’s a Wonderful Life. She has joined the Lord and the Heavenly Choir. She is survived by her beloved husband at 66 Warren Jones Hardy, daughters Jan Hardy Fanslow (Robert) and Kay Hardy Baker (David), grandchildren Caroline Baker and David Hardy Baker (fiancee Ella Lansdell). Worship services will be held on Monday, January 23 at 12:00 p.m. in the chapel of 1st Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga. The visit will take place an hour beforehand, with private burial in Forest Hills Cemetery after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to World Missions of 1st Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga. Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415 www.lanefh.com 423-877-3524.
