Mary E. Hardaway

Mary Earnestine Warner Hardaway 

On August 19, 1941, Mary Earnestine Warner Hardaway was born to the parentage of Douglas and Wenora Stevenson Warner. 

As a teen, she fellowshipped, was baptized/joined Coliseum Park Baptist Church under the late Reverend T.I. Ray. She has continued as an active member; singing in the choirs, working in the Food Ministry, and ushering in the Usher Ministry until her health failed. Long story short, she was always willing to help where she could. 

Mary graduated from Phyllis Wheatley High School in 1959 and furthered her education by receiving her Nursing license. 

On June 1, 1960 she joined in Holy Matrimony with Reginald Bernard “Noonie” Hardaway in Sequin, Texas. To this union Brenda Gail Haraway was born. 

Mary continued her Nursing profession working 29 years at Christus Santa Rosa and 15 years with The Village at Incarnate Word. 

Mary spent her free time baking and eventually was known as “The Cake Lady.”  Everyone knew of her and kept her busy evenings and weekends filling all the orders for cakes, cupcakes, and a few wedding cakes. Not only did Mary love baking, but she put the “S” in shopping, and traveling for relaxation. It wasn’t unusual to plan a shopping trip at least every other month or so with her daughter Brenda, and friends Ruby Cooks and Pat Gibson-Harkless. 

She is proceeded in death by her parents, Douglas and Wenora Warner; husband, Reginal Bernard Hardaway; sisters, Joyce Warner Peavy (Wheeler Peavy), Dorothy Warner Swain; nephews, Delton Cunningham, Carl Cunningham; and cousin Minnie Monroe. 

She leaves to cherish her memory; daughter, Brenda Gail Hardaway; nephews, Anthony Peavy (Arthena), Thomas Cunningham (Michelle), and Troy Cunningham; nieces, Tammy Denise Cunningham, Ebony Joyce Walker (Jermille); and cousin, Monica Ardoin (Steve); great nieces, great nephews; great-great nieces and great-great nephews; and a host of relatives and friends.