Effie H. Hardy

Effie Huggins Hardy beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt entered eternal rest on Wednesday January 22, 2025 at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, VA with her family by her side. As a lifelong resident of Surry, Va. Effie was born the youngest daughter of the late George and Eliza Huggins on June 14, 1941. She was the last of their children to gain her wings and was preceded in death by her siblings George, Janie, Henry, Herman, Alex, Frances, Harvey, Alfred, James, and Herbert. 

A lover of education, Effie attended L.P Jackson High School in Dendron, Va. and was a very proud graduate of the class of 1961 where she served as senior class treasurer. It was during her high school days at the age of 16 where she began a very long and dedicated career in the Surry County Public School system as a bus driver. Effie loved her Cougar Family and took great pride in transporting children of all ages to and from school daily. She also enjoyed driving the activity bus and the “Cougar Express” where she transported students to a variety of sporting events and extracurricular activities. There are very few students who came through the school system that did not do a ride along with Ms. Hardy on her beloved bus 39. She enjoyed working in transportation so much that she continued to substitute from time to time after her retirement.

 Later in life Effie followed another passion of hers in the area of cosmetology and acquired her license as a barber from Anthony’s Barber College in Newport News, Va. She enjoyed using her craft to serve others in this capacity and spent several years working as a barber at Alvin & Son’s Barbershop and Shears Barbershop.

Effie loved her community and enjoyed participating in all things Surry County. She was a dedicated member of Mt Nebo Baptist Church. . During her time at Mt Nebo she served on the transportation department and a small stance on the Senior Praise Team. One of her favorite things to do was to attend Vacation Bible School and Revival. In her later years she enjoyed participating in Senior Citizen Programs with the department of Social Services. Effie loved living life with many of her friends going on trips, participating in the homecoming parade, and serving with the senior kitchen staff. 

She was married to the late Melvin Hardy Sr, and to this union four children were born whom she leaves to cherish her memories, Bernette Hardy Keyes (Robert), Melvanette White (Kenneth), Brenda Hardy, and Melvin Hardy. Five grandchildren, Kendra Berry (Justin), Dr. Kenneth White (Amber), Montel White, Melvin Hardy lll and Jordan Hardy. Seven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson. One sister-in-law and a host of nieces and nephews. Effie was honored to gain the love of five honorary grandchildren, Annise, Jenee, Candice, Stewart and Joe Luter IV that she cherished with her heart.

On Friday, January 31, 2025 Viewing will take place from 3-7pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel.  A Celebration of Life will be held 12pm on Saturday, February 01, 2025 at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church Surry, Va. Interment will follow in Mt. Nebo Cemetery. Please pray for the Huggins-Hardy Family.