Wanda Marie Hardin

Wanda Marie Hardin (also known by her childhood nickname “Boney”) was born December 11, 1956, in Knoxville, Tennessee to her parents, Jimmy M. Sr. and Wanda E. Hardin. She attended Knox County public schools and Austin East High School, class of 1974.

While growing up in Knoxville, Wanda had a busy social schedule. She showed her school spirit by becoming a cheerleader and attending athletic functions and school dances. Wanda was very popular in her circle of friends. She treasured social time with her girlfriends and loved shopping for the latest fashions. Wanda was always impeccably dressed at events. Wanda was friendly by nature with a keen sense of humor; she truly enjoyed being around people. Her home was always open to entertain family and friends. 

Several years after high school graduation, Wanda and her daughter Wakenda briefly relocated to Washington DC where she worked at several federal agencies. Later, they moved to Boston, Massachusetts to explore employment opportunities and be close to relatives. Wanda later relocated to California where she pursued a career and excelled in the hospitality field. She also enjoyed one of her favorite pastimes: exploring the clear blue waters and beaches of the California coastline. Wanda’s love for travel and new adventures involved visiting other states across the U.S. including Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Maryland, New York, Connecticut, Georgia, and Texas. She later returned to Knoxville where she received commendations for her catering skills, specializing in fruit and vegetable art.

Wanda was a devoted mother to her daughter Wakenda DeMarius Hardin and a doting grandmother to her grandson, Deon. She enjoyed cooking for her family, especially Sunday dinners for her brother Anthony.  A fierce advocate for her family and friends Wanda worked tirelessly to ensure her brothers received the military benefits they deserved for their service. She diligently traveled with them to the Veterans Administration’s facilities and ensured successful follow-through of each action. She also took special care of the daily health needs of her sisters, Janis and Diane, during their illnesses. As a natural caregiver, Wanda accompanied her niece, when faced with a challenging diagnosis, to her appointments and often provided valuable in-home assistance to extended family and friends. Wanda was generous with her warmth and gave each of them a reassuring presence just knowing they could count on her.

Wanda was predeceased by her parents, Jimmy Morrison Sr and Wanda Elizabeth Hardin; sisters Janis Cloteal Hardin and Laura Diane Hardin-Minefield.

She leaves to cherish her memory; her loving daughter Wakenda, grandson, Deon Kendale, three brothers Jimmy Morrison Jr., Gregory (Bonita), and Anthony Steven Hardin, devoted companion Andrew (Bubba) Flowers, and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends

Wanda Marie will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew her.

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