Carolyn Hardin's Obituary
Carolyn Sue Hardin, 76, passed away peacefully in her home on February 14th, Valentine's Day, 2024, after battling Parkinson's disease. She passed during the quietest part of the afternoon, bright and beautiful, with her husband, Mel Hardin, and her beloved dog, Maddie, by her side.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Mel Hardin. She is also survived by her daughters Kimberly A. Hall and Catherine R. Hardin, her son Matthew L. Hardin, and grandchildren Brian Hall, MacKenzie Hall, Christopher Hardin, Henry Hardin, and Adalina Hardin. Additionally, she is survived by three great-grandchildren, Madison, Avereigh, and Amelia Hall, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son Christopher M. Hardin and her parents Aubrey and Thelma Young.
Carolyn was the second among five siblings, including Jim Young, Judy Meyers, Jack Young, and Michael Young.
Carolyn was born an Army Brat in Colorado Springs, CO, on October 4th, 1947, to Aubrey and Thelma Young. As an Army brat, she lived in Texas, California, South Carolina, Colorado, and Panama. She always had the fondest memories of Panama and the friends she made there. She graduated from Corsicana High School in 1966 and attended Navarro Junior College, where she met her future husband, Mel Hardin. They were married for 56 years.
Carolyn worked as a secretary and homemaker throughout her life, enjoyed cross-stitching, painting, and crafts, and spent most of her time as a Girl Scout volunteer.
Carolyn, a dedicated Girl Scout Troop Leader for many years, earned national delegate twice and the "Thanks" Award for her significant service throughout the years. Carolyn was troop leader to countless scouts, and she always enjoyed teaching crafts, building campfires, and leading songs.
Carolyn believed in the core tenant taught in Girl Scouts of leaving a place better than you found it. She once told one of her children, "You won't be able to change the world, but you will be able to change the world around you." Carolyn taught us all many lessons, sometimes even the toughest of lessons, and those lessons have led us to leave this world a better place.
And as Carolyn ends her last campfire of life,
Mom, we want to linger, a little longer, a little longer here with you.
A visitation for Carolyn will be held on Sunday, February 18 between 2 and 4 pm at Rader Funeral Home of Longview.
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