Pastor Bessie Mae Hardy Obituary (1930

Pastor Bessie Mae Hardy age 89, departed this life peacefully on Thursday, October 31, 2019 in Stamford, Connecticut. Overseer Bessie Hardy was born On February 4, 1930 in Auburn, Alabama to Willie and Ada Gibson. At the age of 14, she would relocate to Waterbury, CT. It was during this time she would receive Jesus Christ as her personal savior. She would later be led by God to join the Pentecostal Assembly Church under the leadership of the late Dr. Lulu Jackson. Overseer Hardy would finish her primary education in Waterbury Public School and attend Naugatuck Valley Community College to complete her advance studies. As a member she would faithfully serve in several positions in the ministry including (but not limited to) traveling with Dr. Jackson as her adjutant for 15 years. In Waterbury, she would go on to meet and later marry the late Bishop Willie Hardy. During this time they would be graced with 8 children. Overseer Hardy, by faith would follow the call of God of her husband to Stamford, CT. God would confirm His call by supplying them with the vision and resources to begin Emmanuel Apostolic Church later to become Greater Emmanuel Apostolic Church (the G.E.A.A.W. Inc.). After diligently serving alongside her husband to build Greater Emmanuel Church. Pastor Hardy would herself receive a call to ministry by the leading of the Lord to "do the work of an Evangelist." As Greater Emmanuel began to flourish, the vision of the ministry would expand. Pastor Hardy who at the time was assigned to assist the honorary Bishop J. Hardwick, would be ordained and go on to become the Pastor of the church. As the church began to expand and experience a change in structure, Overseer saw the need for a change in name. That vision gave birth to what became known as Faith Apostolic Church, where she would pastor for over 15 years. In 1996, after experiencing issues with his (Bishop Hardy) health, Pastor Hardy would return to Stamford as interim Pastor while Bishop regained strength. In November 1997, Pastor Hardy would be consecrated Overseer of the G.E.A.A.W. Inc. She continued to pastor Faith Apostolic Church up until August of 2005. After the passing of Bishop Willie Hardy, she would be installed Pastor of Greater Emmanuel Church. Faith Apostolic and Greater Emmanuel Apostolic Church would merge and become one congregation. She would remain in office as Pastor up until her passing. Pastor Hardy lived a full life. In 89 years she served in various capacities throughout both the secular and church communities. She would volunteer for Red Cross and her employment with Red Cross would become a conduit that would foster a relationship with her Supervisor Bertha Frothingham. Mrs Frothingham would not only recognize but acknowledge the call on the life of Bishop and (at that time) Evangelist Hardy to Establish ministry in the city of Stamford and would be instrumental in the laying of the physical foundation of Greater Emmanuel Apostolic Church. This relationship would go on to be a staple in the history of Greater Emmanuel Church; and would forever bridge 2 families. Overseer Hardy was graced to open a day Care Center (in Honor of Mrs. Frothingham), the first of its kind in Stamford. It catered low-income families and single women with children. As part of outreach ministry, she would volunteer at Southbury training School weekly for over 5 years. Pastor Hardy was convinced that the heart of a leader would show through His/Her capacity to serve. A very active volunteer for the Greater Emmanuel food pantry, she would be present weekly to assist with the organizing and pre packaging of the food that they would hand out to 75-100 people weekly and upwards of 150 -200 during holidays. Pastor Hardy was an integral part of the training of Pastors, Missionaries and Evangelists alike. A thorough teacher who believed in the life application of Holy Scriptures, she would become mentor to many. She owned several businesses, a milliner and a creative. She would go on to own and be the creator of custom-made hats. Pastor Hardy leaves to cherish her memory, Julius Person (brother) 6 children Sons: Thomas Hardy (Debbie), Ronald Middleton, Darryl Middleton, Daughters: Donna Baines, Denise Pratt and Nakita Hardy-Kearse (Thounsa), A Son- in-Law Charles Gore. She is predeceased by Bishop Willie Hardy (husband) Annie Wilson (sister), Julius Gibson (son), Jerome G. Harris (son) and daughter Patricia Gore. She also leaves 28 grandchildren and a host of great-grands, great-great grandchildren and numerous Godchildren. Pastor Hardy will be deeply missed as she filled the hearts of all she encountered. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, November 15, 2019 at 1:00 PM, Cathedral of Praise C.O.G.I.C International, 45 Gregory Street, Bridgeport, CT. Family will receive guest from 12:00 noon until time of service at the church. SERVICES Calling Hours Friday, November 15, 2019 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Cathedral of Praise 45 Gregory St Bridgeport, Connecticut Funeral Service Friday, November 15, 2019 1:00 PM Cathedral of Praise 45 Gregory St Bridgeport, Connecticut