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Marilee Ridley Hardwick, 86, of Brinson, GA, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2024.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at Brandon Baptist Church with Rev. Robert Crapps officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery (Quitman, GA) with her grandchildren serving as active pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Bryant Funeral Home. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to The Gideons International Processing Center, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251.

Marilee Ridley was born July 13, 1937, in Columbus, GA, the daughter of W.J. Ridley and Mary Hunt Ridley. She was a graduate of Jordan High School in Columbus, GA and attended Norman College at Norman Park. Marilee married Ellis Hardwick in 1958. As a pastor’s wife, she loved and served all over: Columbus, Norman Park, Birmingham, Minnesota, North Carolina, the mission field in Nigeria, New Orleans, Indiana, Huntsville, ultimately making Southwest Georgia home in 1983. Marilee was a member of Brinson Baptist Church.

Characterized by a dry sense of humor and a straight forward approach to most things, Marilee was often the person others sought for advice. Her patience and wisdom allowed her to walk difficult roads alongside family and friends. Marilee’s spunkiness brought a smile, and sometimes a giggle, in the most trying times.

She kept her mind sharp working crossword puzzles and playing games, especially those involving trivia. Marilee loved music, dancing, and spending time with her family. Her most precious memories were of her husband, Ellis, serving others, and sharing in the everyday moments of her children and grandchildren. 

Survivors include her husband of 66 years, Rev. Ellis B. Hardwick; her children, Melissa Hardwick Korzekwa (Michael) of Ft. Worth, TX, Melinda Hardwick Wynn (Bill) of Tallahassee, and Melitta Hardwick Seltzer (Barry Smith) of Bainbridge; her grandchildren, Britton & Rebecca, Sara & Julian, Bailey, Kevin, Emily & Sam, Madelyn, and Benjamin; her great-grandchildren, Aaron and one on the way; her sister-in-law, Virginia Hardwick Herring; and a host of extended family. In addition to her parents, Marilee was preceded in death by her brothers, Melvin Ridley, David Ridley, and Joe Ridley.

Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)