Nelda Denson Hardage went to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 28, 2018. She was surrounded by family and loved ones, leaving this earth with the quiet dignity with which she lived her life.
Nelda was born on October 3, 1925 in Tuscola, Mississippi, the daughter of Lynwood and Ottie Denson. She graduated from Carthage High School and Mississippi College with a Bachelor's degree in education, and she later completed her Master's Degree from Mississippi College. She was voted a class beauty while at Mississippi College and served as a professor's assistant.
Nelda married Thomas Wayne Hardage on May 20, 1948. She and Tom lived in several towns in Mississippi and in Columbus, Georgia before settling in Jackson, MS in 1960. Together they had three children: Kay, Steve, and Kristy.
She was a high school math teacher, serving at several schools throughout Mississippi. Her final position was at the Mississippi School for the Blind, which she retired from in 1986. Nelda loved her students and she loved math, and she poured her heart into giving every single student the very best education possible.
A long-time member of Colonial Heights Baptist Church, Nelda spent her retirement years serving God through her church. She taught 2 year-old Sunday School, worked with the Daughter's-Day-Out Program, served Meals on Wheels, and always helped with Vacation Bible School. She cherished her Sunday School class and the many friends she had there. She may have best been known for the many vases of flowers she delivered to sick friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Wayne Hardage; son, Steven Leo Hardage; brother, Lynwood Hardage; and sister, Kathryn Denson Garrard.
Nelda is survived by her children, Frances Kay Hardage of Jackson, MS; Kristy Hardage Launius of Madison, MS; granddaughters, Brittany Nicchole Launius of Portland, OR, and Abigail Wilson Launius of Madison, MS; grandson, Eli Denson Launius of Madison, MS; brother, Jack Denson of Starkville, MS; sister, June Denson Shepard of Carthage, MS; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 10:00 - 11:30 Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at Colonial Heights Baptist Church, Ridgeland with funeral services beginning at 11:30am. Interment will be at 2pm in Harris Cemetery, Carthage, MS.

The family would especially like to thank all of the wonderful staff and care partners of Beau Ridge Memory Care for their loving care of Miss Nelda.