Denise V. Hardy

OBITUARY Denise Valerie Fluellen was born in Chester, Pennsylvania to the late Marjorie S. Fluellen and William B. Fluellen. She was the younger sister of Shirley J. Womack and older sister of William B. Fluellen, Jr. Denise completed her early education in the Chester school district and graduated from Chichester High School in 1971, after the family moved to Aston, Pennsylvania. In the 8th grade, Denise met Larry P. Hardy (Rock). They were so different – Denise shy and reserved, Larry confident and bold, but through God’s plan, their differences melded into true love. Denise attended West Chester State College where she graduated in 1975 with a B.A. in Education. She often visited the campus of Lincoln University where Larry attended college and was given the status of “honorary member” by Larry’s friends. Denise and Larry later married in 1979, and eventually moved to Swedesboro, New Jersey, where they gave birth to their son, Larry P. Hardy, Jr. (Lil’ Larry) Denise was an active member of St. Daniel’s United Methodist Church since her childhood days. She was involved in several ministries, including the Aide Guild and the Junior Ushers. She received numerous honors and awards for her service and dedication to her church community. Denise was a dedicated employee of Verizon, working in the Engineering Department as a drafter, before retiring with 35 years of service. She then held part-time positions in Swedesboro, New Jersey, in a medical office and at Amazon. After retirement, Denise pursued various hobbies including learning to play the violin and adding to her beautiful one-of-a-kind, lifelike porcelain doll collection. She also spent much of her free time enjoying her family and friends and serving others. Denise was always available to lend a helping hand to her stepmother, Emeline L. Fluellen, elderly aunts and uncles, and church family. Denise was special. Her gentleness, kindness, and sense of humor made her a pleasure to be around. She always put others first, offering her time and soft-spoken words of counsel and comfort to anyone in need. When Denise faced her adversities, she showed us that true strength lies from within, sustained by her strong faith in God’s promises of peace, comfort, and salvation. Her legacy is that she was admired by many and loved by all. A treasure full of hope, compassion, wit, and insight. A loving and devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and Child of God. Denise was preceded in death by her beloved son, Larry P. Hardy, Jr.(Lil’ Larry); her father, William B. Fluellen (Flu); her mother, Marjorie Smith Fluellen, and her brother, William B. Fluellen, Jr. (Billy). She leaves to mourn and cherish her memory: her husband of 46 years, Larry P. Hardy, Sr.; stepmother, Emeline L. Fluellen; mother-in-law, Bernice Hardy; sister, Shirley J. Womack; five brothers-in-law, William F. Womack, Kenneth Hardy, Gregory Hardy, Darryl Hardy, Keith Hardy, Wallace Spencer; two sisters-in-law, Denise Hardy Spencer, Deborah Hardy; a nephew, David Womack; two nieces, Vanessa W. Rigaud, Taneshia Fluellen; goddaughter, Dionne McCallum; stepson, Onyae Hardy; and a host of other nieces, nephews, and extended family. Our loss of Denise’s gentle and beautiful soul is heaven’s gain.

Denise V. Hardy

September 13, 1953 - November 6, 2025