Susan W. Hardwick

Entered into rest on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, Susan Wylds Hardwick, 83, loving wife and mother.

A lifelong resident of Augusta, Susan attended schools in Richmond County, graduating from the Academy of Richmond County. She attended Augusta College and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Georgia.

A lifelong learner, Susan knew at an early age that she wanted to teach. She enjoyed a lengthy career as an educator with the Richmond County Board of Education. She taught social studies and history for 33 years, first at Tubman Junior High School, and then Westside High School, before retiring. She was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma International Educational Foundation for over fifty years. She had great affection for her students, and enjoyed seeing them throughout their lives, especially when their own children became her students as well.

An active parishioner of the Church of the Good Shepherd, she shared her faith teaching fourth grade Sunday School and was a member of the Mary Cuthbert Circle. An ardent reader, she especially enjoyed bible study and Sunday school with her fellow parishioners. You could always find her happy with a book and a cup of tea. 

An avid lover of history and genealogy, she treasured her friendships made as a member of the Augusta Genealogy Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Colonial Dames. A doll collector since childhood, she was also a member of the CSRA Doll Club.

Family members include her daughter: Susan Hardwick Bess and husband Kenneth; son: Barna “Mack” McKinne Hardwick, Jr.; grandson: Jonathan “Jack” Lucas Bess; her nieces and many other loving family members. She is preceded in death by her husband, Barna McKinne “Mack” Hardwick, Sr., her parents, Charles Gregory and Sibyl Cook Wylds, brothers Charles Anthony Wylds II (Lola Clements, also deceased) and Edward Reynolds Wylds, and sister, Sibyl Wylds Smith (James Charles, also deceased).

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Deidria Curry Dortch and Alexis Moss Assoumou, her dedicated caregivers.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Monday, March 25, 2024, at the Church of the Good Shepherd with the Reverend Ted Clarkson and the Reverend Dr. J. Andy Menger officiating. Pallbearers will be Mack Hardwick, Ken Bess, Danny Williams, James Boyle, Charles Corley, Wes Hopkins, and Rick Deas. Her nieces will serve as honorary pallbearers: Mary Anthony Wylds Yarger, Sibyl Ruth Wylds Ashley, Carolyn Gregory Wylds Boyle, Electa Clements Wylds Pantoja, and Lola Wylds Kempema. A reception will follow the service in the church parish hall. Please send memorials to the Church of the Good Shepherd to support their many areas of outreach. 2230 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904.