Jerry Hardnett

Bro. Jerry Hardnett was born December 2, 1937, in Chalybeate Springs, Meriwether County Georgia to the late parents of Carrie Mae Dowell Copeland and the late Ezra Clabon Hardnett. Jerry transitioned to his heavenly home on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Warm Springs Medical Center, Warm Springs GA.

Jerry accepted Christ at the age of thirteen. He joined Springhill Baptist Church and later transferred to New Hope Baptist Church. He served on the usher board. He was a faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church until his health failed.

Jerry Hardnett attended Meriwether County Training School through the 8th grade. He went to night school in Manchester, Meriwether County for one year and from there he attended Upson Technical School majoring in mechanic. His first job was at Manchester Callaway Cotton Mill from 1960 – 1968. He was employed for twenty -two years by the Seaboard Railroad now known as the CSX Railroad from 1968 to 1990 as a railroad trackman. He performed heavy manual labor to maintain and repair railroad tracks and the surrounding right-of-way until he was disabled to work because of rheumatoid arthritis. Jerry had an amazing exceptional gift where he could recall the exact dates of when events took place in the family such as birthdays, celebrations and other memorable activities. He was the family historian. He documented his mother’s family history from slavery to the present. And he could recall the exact dates of events that occurred in the world such as the bombing on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941. President Roosevelt fireside chats on the radio 1933-1944 and others. He provided very vivid details about his educational experiences in the rural Meriwether County Training School during segregation. Lastly, he enjoyed reading his bible. Two of his favorite’s chapters are St. John 14 and Psalm 23 which he recites as others read to him.

Bro. Jerry Hardnett was a very kindhearted person. He was always willing to help others. People often say, “He was a good person. Jerry will give you ever thing he has.” He will always be loved and remembered by his many acts of kindness and the many friends he acquired along life’s journey. The knowledge that he shared will be passed on to the next generation.

Jerry was preceded in death by his late loving wife Montenia Anderson Hardnett whom he married on August 15, 1976, until her death March 11, 2003. Sibling deceased: Emily Ruth Buchanan, John Henry White, Walter Hardnett, Willie Gean Hardnett, Square Hardnett, Arnold Hardnett, Sr., Lizzie Pearl Hardnett Miller, Thelma Hardnett Little, Leila Nell Steverson, Tom Bell Hardnett, Arthur Hardnett, Sr., Claborn Hardnett, Jr., Jimmy Lee Hardnett, and Andrew Hardnett.

Jerry leaves to cherish his most precious memories: A Loving niece, caregiver and guardian for twenty-one years, Earline (Wayne) Pitts, Manchester, Ga.; Niece Emma (William) Wyatt, Decatur, Ga, guardian for fourteen years; Great niece and live in caregiver for twelve years, Sherlonda Pitts (Grover) Young, Manchester, Ga; Beloved and favorite nieces and nephews: Minnie Little - Johnson, Dot Dozier, Calvin Little, Lovett Little and one great niece: Shirley Dozier.

Sister –In- Laws: Florence White, Chalybeate Springs, Ga., Maxine (Joe) Trice of Manchester, GA.

Helen Anderson Pollard of Jacksonville, FL, one Brother – In – Laws: Jonah (Annie) Anderson of Manchester, GA; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great, great nieces and nephews and other relative and friends.

The family of Jerry Hardnett extends a very special thank you to Exie Melson, his care giver for ten years, for her love and support. Thank you to Our New Hope Baptist Church Family and the Manchester Community for their love and support. And thank you to The Warm Springs Medical Center.