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JoEllen Ausband Hardwick, age 82, of Conway, went to her eternal home on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, after an extended illness, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Conway, South Carolina on May 9, 1942, to Joe Hill Ausband and Vivien Leola Cox Ausband. She married her best friend and the love of her life, Gene A. Hardwick, on August 6, 1966, in Conway. In addition to her parents, JoEllen is preceded in death by her brother, Jerry Cox Ausband; great-granddaughter, Hadleigh Grace Davis; and step-granddaughter, Mason McKinley Sellers. She is survived by her husband; three children - Janet H. Cannon (Chris), Katherine L. Hardwick, and Jonathan A. Hardwick (Becky); three grandchildren - Derrick Cannon (Tiffani), Taylor Davis (Tony), and Allison Cannon (Dakota); two step-grandchildren - Justin Hyman and Hanna Sellers (Ethan); two great-grandchildren - Hudson Davis and Hailey Davis; four step-great-grandchildren, Kylan Smith, Brentley Alford, Konnor Alford, and Gracelyn Alford; and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews. During her life-long walk with Christ, she served in youth ministry at First United Methodist Church - Conway where she had been a member for most of her life. More recently, she enjoyed leading a bible study with her peers at Pisgah United Methodist Church in Dog Bluff. After graduating from Conway High School in 1960, JoEllen attended Winthrop College where she earned a degree in education. She taught in Horry County Schools most of her professional life. In the latter part of her career, she obtained a master's degree in library science from University of South Carolina - Coastal and became an elementary school librarian, where she spread the gospel of Dr. Seuss. After retiring from Horry County School District, Gene and JoEllen travelled extensively throughout the United States visiting national parks and monuments. Other hobbies stemmed from her grandmother and mother's love for sewing and needlework. It became a life-long passion for her that she shared with her children, grandchildren, and friends. She believed her greatest accomplishment was positively influencing her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, ensuring that her legacy would continue through the generations. Friends and family will be received at Goldfinch Funeral Home in Conway on Saturday, February 22 from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Interment will be private.

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JoEllen A. Hardwick

May 9, 1942 - February 18, 2025