Ella Mae Hardin earned her heavenly wings on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at her residence.

Ella Mae was born January 25, 1951, to the late Willie and Elizabeth Jones. Ella Mae graduated from Cleveland Community College and went on to pursue her career in textile at Clemont Mills for 14 years. Ella Mae then continued her career at Hardees where she made the best biscuit ever for about 11 yrs. After retiring from Hardees, she was a dedicated seamstress for the hospital and others in the community while continuing to care for her children. She was a devoted member of Shiloh Baptist Church and sung on the choir for many years until her health declined.

Ella Mae has been married to the love of her life, Sherwood Hardin Sr. for 50 years. Together they reared three children, Kimberly Hopper, Tenisha Hush, and Sherwood Hardin Jr. They also reared four of their grandchildren, Marquitt Jones, Antonio Thompson, Chris Hardin, and Fantasia Hush in their home and had two other grandchildren, Dominique Thompson and Taveon Hardin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Elizabeth Jones; two brothers, Willie Eddie Jones Jr. and Billy Jones; and her father-in-law, Freddie Cannon.

Ella Mae leaves to cherish fond memories, her husband, Sherwood Hardin Sr; her children, Kimberly Hopper (Chris), Tenisha Hush (Avery), Sherwood Hardin Jr. (Tamara), and Atalie Crosby (Jamal); her siblings, Percy Tate (Libby), Jack Tate, Johnny Jones (Lisa), Walter Jones (Ann), Patricia Petty, Grace Briscoe, Janice Bridges (Floyd), Betty Raper, and Fayle Littlejohn (Roger).

She also leaves behind her mother-in-law, Bernice Cannon; her sisters-in-law Frieda C. Lattimore, Alesia Cannon, and Veronica Wray (Todd); a brother-in-law, Rodney Cannon (Mary Ann), eleven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Ella Mae touched the lives of many that she met along life's journey including a bonus daughter, Nikki Moore, a son-in-law Mark Hush, a daughter, Linda Hush, and a special cousin Bernice Laborn.

The funeral service for Mrs. Hardin will be held on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 2:30 PM at Shiloh Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 2:30 PM at the church and other times at 200 Sunrise Circle Shelby. Burial will take place at Sunset Cemetery. Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloemortuary.com. Enloe is in charge of the arrangements.