Mary L. Hardrick

MARY LEE JOHNSON HARDRICK was born on March 27, 1924 to the late Eddie Johnson, Sr. and Alice Shivers Johnson in Miami, Florida. After the passing of her parents, her aunt, Tina Johnson and uncle, “Big Abe” Johnson continue to raise her and her other sibling in Fort Valley, Georgia. She was married to C. H. Hardrick, who preceded her in death for sixty-three years. From this union eight children were born: Clarence, Ernest, Robert, Irma, Kenneth, Herbert, Gregory and Jo-Ann. Mary and C. H. came to Baltimore, Maryland to live because jobs were more plentiful up north. She landed a job at Johns Hopkins Hospital as a Diet Aide; and worked her way up to Supervisor. Her leadership skills were remarkable. She won the respect and admiration of her superiors as well as those who worked under her leadership. She was always impeccably attired; white shoes neatly polished, uniform starched and pressed. Many of the patients on the floors she worked got personal visits from her. She took the time to get to know them. She made them all feel special when she would personally collect and make notations on their diet slips listing their likes and dislikes; and surprising them with some of their favorites. During her employment at Johns Hopkins Hospital, she won numerous awards for going above and beyond what was required of her. She has met many prominent people who have come to Johns Hopkins Hospital to be treated. She had a large vase in her living room filled with Money Roses that she gave away to people from time to time. There was only six dollars on the rose; but the person receiving the rose felt as if they were given something priceless. Mom has done a lot of traveling in her lifetime. She has family all over the map; and none was ever too far away for her to visit them… if she had to drive, fly, catch a train or bus. Graduations, marriages, retirements, christenings, home goings (funerals)… Mom would be en route to visit family and loved ones “Ms. Mary,” as she was affectionately called, was a people person. Once you met her, you never forgot her. She accepted the Lord as her Savior at a young age under her pastor, Rev. Eugene T. Grove. She was a willing worker in the Church. She was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church under Dr. Cleveland C. Alexander. She was a member of the Hospitality and Courtesy Guild. She taught us by her example how to live a Godly life… not perfect, but a life of obedience to the Holy Spirit. She leaves to cherish her memory: five sons, Ernest, Robert, Kenneth, Herbert all of Baltimore, Maryland and Gregory of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; two daughters, Irma Beasley and Jo-Ann Campbell both of Greenbelt, Maryland; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law; sister, Celia Anderson of Miami, Florida; cousin, Hattie Mae Nelms of Miami, Florida; other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Mary L. Hardrick

March 27, 1924 - March 31, 2013