Betty Hamlin Hardy

Betty Hamlin Hardy of Blythewood, South Carolina, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026, after an extended illness. She was 89 years old.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Warren Reynolds Hardy of Blythewood and daughter, Melissa Key Hardy of James Island, South Carolina in the town of Charleston. Also, a sister, Maxine Hamlin Kelly of Winston Salem, North Carolina, and several nieces and nephews.

During her lifetime, Betty touched the hearts of her many friends and family with her faith, service, and caring love.

Betty was born and raised in Pickens County, South Carolina near the town of Easley. After graduating from high school, she attended Anderson University where she graduated with a business degree. She worked for many years in the Easley area. Then Betty moved to Columbia to become Education Secretary at the First Baptist Church. It was at church where she met her future husband Warren Hardy, whose sister Martha Hardy was the church organist. Betty changed jobs from her First Baptist Church career to become employed at the South Carolina Department of Education. There she was an outstanding administrative assistant to the State Superintendent of Education. She retired in 2005 after several years of service. Warren retired the following year.

Betty and Warren enjoyed traveling together to many places. Betty’s favorite trips were along the Blue Ridge Parkway between Shenandoah and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. She enjoyed going to Alabama to visit Warren’s family and to the University of Alabama where Warren, during his college years, was a Crimson Tide scholarship athlete who lived in the Paul W. Bryant Athletic Dormitory. She liked posing for a picture taken by Warren of Betty in front of Bryant Hall.

A private burial will take place in Greenhaven Memorial Park.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.