(Wilma) Jean Hardy, known simply as Jean to her friends and as Mom, Mimi, and Auntie J to her family, was born November 20, 1943, and went home to be with Jesus on September 29, 2026. Her family rarely called her Wilma unless they were teasing her, which usually got exactly the reaction they wanted. She was reunited with Charles, her husband and the love of her life, and with the loved ones who had gone before her.

The name “Auntie J” began in a family text thread called The Fam. Jean would sign her messages “Auntie J,” even though everyone already knew who was sending them. It was funny, unmistakably Jean, and Jean the name stuck. Before long, nearly everyone in the family was calling her Auntie J.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Judson Lipsey; her brothers, Pat Lipsey (Lori) and Will Lipsey (Meg); and her beloved husband, Charles Hardy.

She is survived by her son, Jason Hardy (Allison); her grandchildren and the lights of her life, Jacob Hardy, Sarah Hardy, and Zachary Hardy; her sister, Ann Lipsey Roper (John); her nieces, Stephanie DeLucenay (Paul), LeAnna Wright (Ryan), and Madison Weatherbee (Zach); and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Alec Durand (Amy), Anna Grace DeLucenay, Maggie Weatherbee, Grant Weatherbee, Scout Wright, Caleb Hott, and Aydin Hott.

In Jean’s final days, her family was deeply grateful for the physicians, nurses, and staff at Our Lady of Lourdes, whose care was compassionate, faith-filled, and extraordinary. Her family believes God placed these special caregivers in their path to help Jean transition peacefully from this life into her eternal life. The nurses who provided her comfort care cared for the family as well, even sharing their tears at her passing. That kindness will never be forgotten.

Auntie J loved fiercely.

She showed up, especially when someone she loved needed an advocate. If she believed one of her people had been treated unfairly, she was going to do something about it. She was loyal, protective, opinionated, determined, and never hesitant to stand up for those she loved.

She was also one of her family’s biggest cheerleaders. She encouraged dreams, advocated for opportunities, celebrated accomplishments, and made the people she loved feel as though their victories were her victories too.

Auntie J was incredibly generous. Compliment a pair of her shoes and you might leave with several pairs, and probably a few other things from her closet too. Her grandchildren knew that generosity well; they barely had to mention wanting something before Mimi was ready to give.

Auntie J loved her career as a dental hygienist and took great pride in making sure everyone in the family had a beautiful smile. She also loved fashion, lipstick, and looking put together—and her family knows she deserves the credit for their good taste.

She was full of life and knew her own mind. Once Auntie J decided something, she was not easily persuaded otherwise. She could be persistent, outspoken, and fiercely protective, but underneath it all was big, unmistakable, loyal love.

She was also a lot of fun, and a big Alabama fan. When the Crimson Tide was playing, she was watching and cheering them on. She loved Milky Ways and was known to enjoy a piece of pie or a little candy at midnight. Family games were rarely quiet, and Auntie J had a reputation for being just a little creative with the rules.

There were many family gatherings and trips to the lake or beach, filled with laughter, advice, and plenty of pep talks. Auntie J believed family could disagree, but when it mattered, you stood together.

She had a gift for making the people she loved feel completely claimed by her. She wanted to know what was happening in their lives, celebrate them, protect them, encourage them, and occasionally tell them exactly what they ought to be doing.

She loved being a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. “Auntie J” became more than a nickname, it described the role she played in so many lives: the one who showed up, spoke up, brought laughter, gave freely, and loved without reservation.

Her family will miss her humor and strong opinions, her generosity and style, her competitive streak and fierce advocacy, and the certainty of knowing that whatever happened, Auntie J was in their corner, and they know she still will be.

The stories she leaves behind are funny, tender, and deeply personal because that is how she lived her life.

She was full of life. She knew her own mind. She showed up. And above all, she loved fiercely.

That love will remain with her family always.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Peck Funeral Home in Hartselle, Alabama, with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Hartselle Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Our Lady of Lourdes Foundation in gratitude for the compassionate and faith-filled care Jean and her family received during her final days. The family is especially grateful to the nurses and CNAs who cared for her so lovingly: Savannah, Sherry, Abby, Stephanie, Charlie, Lauren, Tannor, Zack, Kristen, Mamie, Hope, John, Andrea, Noah, Breckalyn, and Pam. Their kindness, tenderness, and presence meant more than words can express.