Audrey Buck Hardin

Mrs. Audrey Buck Hardin, 92, of Elberton, GA, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Laurel Lodge Assisted Living & Memory Care in Cleveland, GA.

Audrey was born in Fitchburg, MA on July 28, 1933, and moved with her family to Decatur, GA at a young age. She was a 1951 graduate of Decatur Girls High School. Audrey was President of the Freshman class at Georgia State College for Women and then enrolled at the University of Georgia where she met fellow student, Lou G. (Gerald) Hardin, Jr., who would become her beloved husband of 72 years. Audrey finished her studies at UGA in 1984 at the age of 51 with a Bachelor’s degree in education.

She taught swimming for the Campfire Girls Day Camp at Venetian Pools in Decatur for many years. After moving to Gwinnett County, she continued to teach and coach swimming at Hanarry Estates Swim and Racquet Club. Hanarry together with Lilburn Lions Club and Lawrenceville City Pool established the Gwinnett County Swim League in 1973.

Audrey later went to work for the Gwinnett County 4-H Extension Office. While there, she established the 4-H petting zoo at the Gwinnett County Fair, coached the Horse Judging team to a national title, and formed the Horseless Horse club.

She was deeply committed to her faith and a cornerstone to her community. Audrey was an active and devoted member of First Methodist Church of Elberton. She was also a member of many organizations: Daughters of the American Revolution where she served as Chaplain, the Red Hat Society, the Elbert County Historical Society where she frequently portrayed Georgia Heroine Nancy Hart in educational and local historical events, and the Elbert Memorial Hospital Auxiliary where she enjoyed serving as a Pink Lady.

Audrey enjoyed the outdoors, working in her garden, quilt square promoter and painter, working on a puzzle on the table, and collecting Mickey Mouse items. Above all, and only second to her family, she loved her horses and never missed an opportunity to participate in trail and endurance rides. She will be remembered as a loving wife to Gerald and a devoted mom to her three children.

Audrey is survived husband, Gerald; sister, Linda (Ralph) Davis; children: John Michael Hardin (Helen) of Rincon, GA, Margaret “Meg” Hardin Pate (Tommy) of Pendergrass, GA, and Douglas Paul Hardin (Cindy) of Elberton, GA; grandchildren: Jessica Webster (Win), John-Tyler Hardin (Allie), Whitney Lee Negrea, Thomas Edward Pate, Katherine Elizabeth “Katie Beth” Allen (Adam), Sarah Grace Alvarez (Justin), and Maggie Lynn Onsgard (Carl); great-grandchildren: Evans and Clay Webster, Price Elizabeth and Pate Corbin Allen, and Owsley Negrea; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Wesley John and Lenona Francis Keddie Buck; and sisters: Joy Bowden, Susan Clark, and Julie Lambert.

Audrey’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at First Methodist Church of Elberton. Visitation will be from 1:00p.m. until 1:45p.m. with the memorial service following at 2:00p.m., all in the Sanctuary at First Methodist Church of Elberton. Rev. John Donaldson and Rev. Jim McCollough will officiate. The family invites attendees to wear your favorite hat in honor of Audrey’s love of hats.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Methodist Church of Elberton, 132 E. Church Street, Elberton, GA 30635 or your favorite charity.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook by visiting berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Audrey Buck Hardin.