Phyllis Hughes Hardy was born On April 21, 1934 in Jacksonville, Alabama. She was one of five children born to Josephine (Caldwell) and Edward Hughes.

She attended Sunday School at an early age and later joined the First Baptist Church (Eastwood Community). She was active in many activities of the church including: Sunday School, the Sunbeams, the Red Circle, the Matrons, as well as serving as director of the senior, the male and the mixed choirs. She was also a leader of the Girl Scout Cadet Troop #93.

She received her early education at Jacksonville Colored School and graduated from Jacksonville Colored High School in 1952. She continued her education at Alabama A&M College and attended Manpower (MDTA) School, which was a two year college business course. She studied and took piano lessons. She seemed to have music in her blood. Friends referred to her as the "Community Musician" because she would play for any church, any wedding, any funeral or any other occasion that was in need of a musician.

She was an educator employed by Anniston City Schools, where she retired after 29 years. She was the pianist for First Baptist Church for 35 years and served as pianist for at the New Jeruslem Missionary Baptist Church and Mt. Ararat CME Church for several years.

She united in holy matrimony to Br. Leo Hardy. She was a devoted wife and was instrumental in helping the youth in the community, especially her nieces and nephews. She was active in the community, always there to help. She would carry neighbors and friends to doctor's appointments, medical treatments, shopping or just for a ride. She was always giving gifts, fruit, flowers and cards to the sick and shut-in. She shared a deep love for family and friends and was very concerned for the elderly. Phyllis can be remembered most for her love for the Lord, her generous heart and wonderful smile. Think of her as singing:

I sing because I'm happy; I sing because I'm free; His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.

Phyllis transitioned peacefully to her eternal resting place on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 in Columbus, Ohio.  She leaves to cherish her memory: a stepdaughter, Pat Hardy; a special niece, Valerie (Harvey) Norton;; a special nephew, Alonzo (June) Webb; and a host of other relatives and friends.