Winnifred Hardesty

Born on Sept. 4, 1912 in Ocala, Winnifred Hardesty, or Winnie, as she liked to be called, went to heaven to meet Jesus on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010.

There in heaven to greet her are her mother and father, Thomas Spencer and Alice Odie Wishart. Also, she will again meet her six brothers, T.S., Jr., Robert, Red, Faye, Billy and Raleigh Wishart, plus her only sister, Clifford “Cinda” Flinkstrom.

Those left behind to remember her great life are four loving nieces, Martha Falgout, Miami; Cinda Farrell, Tampa; Fran Sanders, Atlanta; and Jo Alice (James) Tarwater, Pensacola.

Also, to mourn but celebrate her long and active life are numerous other nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great- nieces and nephews.

Blessings to Bridges of St. Joe Nursing Home’s staff; and to Louis VanVleet, her loyal friend, and to her many neighbors, who also loved her.

Winnie was an active member for most of her life in First United Methodist Church, of Apalachicola.

She will be remembered for her vibrant spirit and her witty demeanor. Living in Apalachicola for most of her later life, she was a co-captain for years of the shrimp boat “Little Stinker.” If any of Apalach’s fishing community remembers her, they will remember her as a hardworking, successful contributor to the fishing scene.

At heaven’s gate to meet her will be her wonderful life companions and mates, Jake Barber, Leonard Tucker and Ted Hardesty.

Kelley Funeral Home, at 16^th Street and Avenue H, are in charge of arrangements. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11 at Magnolia Cemetery, with Brother Bill Plazarin conducting the service.

Winnie was a devoted animal lover, especially of cats, and her family requests that any tributes to her be made to your local Humane Society in her name. That will please her.

My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.  -  Psalm 73:26.