Mattie Hardaway

In Loving Memory of Mother Mattie Bell Hardaway

Sunrise: December 6, 1937 - Sunset: July 9, 2025

Mother Mattie Bell Hardaway was born on December 6, 1937, in Prattville, Alabama, to Hurry White and Rose Bell White, both of whom preceded her in death.

At the age of 12, she was baptized at Bethesda Baptist Church. She cherished attending church with her father and brother, and was deeply impacted by the sudden passing of her mother during her childhood. Her love for the Lord blossomed early, and she enthusiastically assisted in church duties, sang in the choir, and served on the usher board.

She graduated from high school in 1955, enjoying subjects such as home economics and sewing. After graduation, she moved to Anniston, Alabama, where she worked at the Greyhound Bus Depot. In 1958, she relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, joining Unity Baptist Church and later becoming a faithful member of Thessalonian Baptist Church in the 1960s. On July 24, 1965, she married Andrew Hardaway, who preceded her in death.

Mother Hardaway dedicated 37 years of service to University Hospitals in Cleveland as a CNA/Transporter, retiring at the age of 62. She remained a devoted member of Thessalonian Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Sharp and later Rev. Currie. In January 1999, she joined Abyssinia Baptist Church under the guidance of Reverend Dr. Leo Pinkard, Sr., where she served faithfully as President of the Pastor's Aide Ministry, President of the Nurses Guild, and Superintendent of the Sunday School Department.

As her health declined and she could no longer drive, Rev. and Sister Coleman ensured she could continue attending church. When it became too difficult to live alone, she moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 20, 2020, to live with her devoted daughter, Sherline, and son-in-law, Larry Marine. Surrounded by love, she peacefully transitioned from labor to reward at 7:10 a.m. on July 9, 2025, with Sherline, Larry, and their beloved pets, Mia and Gia, by her side.

Mother Hardaway was a loving, compassionate woman who deeply cherished her family and countless friends. Even during her illness, she made it a priority to check in with loved ones weekly, both near and far.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughter, Sherline Moreland-Marine (Larry S. Marine); daughter-in-law, Karen Denise White (Lorenzo); beloved uncle, John L. Nixon; niece, Kathy White-Seales; nephews, Joseph White and Albert James Hardaway; niece, Barbara Hardaway (Ben); great-nephew, Joshua L. White; grandchildren, Nathan L. Nix (Marquita), Michelle Anderson (Christopher), Eric Owens (Shanita), and Aaron Owens (Crystal); great-grandchildren, Samoid Hope-Nix, Natalie Hope Nix, Noah Nix, Cinsear Owens, Matthew Owens, and Ezra Owens.

She also leaves behind a host of loving cousins: Linda Fay Hardin, Donna Jean Rookard, Anna Pickett, Landon, Willie "Joe" Howard, Reander, James White, Emma and Joe Debardelaben and family, Beulah Booker-Robinson, and many more extended family and friends throughout Ohio, Alabama, and Mississippi.

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither sshalllttherebeany more pain: for the former things are passed away."

- Revelation 21:4