Rosetta Hardy

After over a decade of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia, Rosetta Hardy passed away peacefully in her sleep, transitioning from labor to reward. Born in Nansemond County, Rosetta was the youngest daughter of seven children to the late Sarah Frances Edwards and Henry Edwards. She received a formal education from Crestwood High School. Rosetta dedicated many years of her life to serving others, starting with her work in school custodial services and extending into the restaurant industry. She found fulfillment in helping those around her and brought warmth and care to every task she undertook. Her commitment to making a difference through service leaves a legacy of kindness and generosity. She gave her life to Christ at a young age and was a member of New Hope Baptist Church where she took her children every Sunday. At church, she loved to don an ornate hat. Although she did not fancy herself a singer, she never shied away from singing praises to the Lord. Even through her bedrest days, she still hummed and moved her feet along to her favorite song, “The Upper Room” by Mahalia Jackson. Rosetta was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. She adored her large family and found joy and fellowship through cooking. Preparing a variety of dishes, she delighted in watching others savor her collard greens, potato salad, and cakes. She loved to laugh, regularly dedicating hours to lively phone conversations with her sister during the early hours of the morning. She was the most hospitable, always welcoming anyone into her home from her children’s friends, her neighbors, and even the “insurance man.” Her affection for children was evident, and she took immense pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, ensuring everyone recognized their significance. She liked to travel including weekend road trips to Maryland to visit her youngest daughter, and even a flight to Atlanta, Georgia to visit her oldest granddaughter. Rosetta was predeceased by her sister Elsie Dixon, and her brothers James H. Edwards, McKinley Edwards, Joe Thomas Edwards, and Percell Edwards, Sr. She leaves to cherish her memories: her brother Walter Gould of Chestnut Ridge, NY. and her seven children: Loretta Earl (David) of Portsmouth, VA, Sharon Drewery of Chesapeake, VA, Louis Hardy Jr. (Lonna) of Suffolk, VA, Sandra Edmonds of Aberdeen, MD, Timothy Hardy, Sr. of Suffolk, VA, and twin sons Carneil Hardy of Suffolk, VA and Darnell Hardy of Chesapeake, VA. She is also survived by 22 grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Rosetta valued relationships and treated everyone like family. She was a loving and giving friend to all. She will be greatly missed.

Rosetta Hardy

June 22, 1938 - May 13, 2024