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OAKWOOD, Ga. — Sidney Hardy Cross (Stripling) met her Heavenly Father on February 17, 2020 at the age of 79 surrounded by her family.

She was the daughter of Agnes and Monroe Stripling. Born July 17th, 1940, in Worth County, Georgia.

Sidney married John Jeffrey Hardy on October 15th, 1961, in Worth County, Georgia. (who passed in 1983). She remarried on Dec 2nd, 1986 to James Cross in Cordele, Georgia. Sidney was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She graduated from South Georgia College and continued her education at Georgia Southern University with a degree in Secondary Education. Throughout her life, she was a member of First Baptist Tucker, First Baptist Cordele and First Baptist Social Circle.  She never met a stranger and will long be remembered for leading children’s choirs, her time spent playing the autoharp, her beautiful singing voice and her sweet spirit.

Sidney is survived by her son, Jay Hardy (Teri) and her sister, Ann Stripling Hardin. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Morgan Hardy, and Markham Hardy (Gray). Sidney was preceded in death by her husband, John Jeffrey Hardy,1983, her son, Markham Lee Hardy, 1984 and James Cross, 2019.

Sidney’s celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Cordele. Interment will follow at Warwick United Methodist Church Cemetery. Visitation is 12:30pm to 2 p.m., prior to the service. Rev. John Smith and Dr. Page Fulgham will officiate, both lifelong friends of the Hardy family.

The family is especially grateful for the care and compassion Sidney received from friends and caregivers in recent months.

Online condolences may be left at www.hughesandwright.com. Hughes & Wright Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with these arrangements.