Vesta Wright Chandley Hardy

Vesta Wright Chandley Hardy joined her loving savior Jesus Christ and loved ones in her Heavenly home on July 17, 2022.

She was born June 10, 1919 in Asheville to Jessie Queen and Marion A. Wright, the eighth of ten children. She was preceded in death by James C. Chandley, the father of her children, and Dr. Winfield Hardy, her parents and brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her daughters, Jo Ann Elliott (Gil), Elaine Pack (Don), Nancy Rathburn, and son, James C. Chandley (Judy). She also leaves behind grandchildren: Kevin Johnson (Patty), Kim Pruett (Mike), Karen Johnson, Cynthia Seabald, Brian Kiser (Leigh), Eric Rathburn (Barbara), Joseph Rathburn, Michael Rathburn, Lisa Brookshire (Alan), Robert Elliott (Angie), Chris Elliott (Pam), Jan Bell (Vance), Glen Pack (Diane) and Devon Swale (Chris). She also leaves behind 24 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Vesta was a member of Merrimon Avenue Church, now Brookstone, and taught Sunday School for over fifty years, first in the beginner department and later in the senior ladies. She was a founding member of Keenagers, a Bible study group at Merrimon, and led them on many trips. She loved to read the Bible and read it daily as long as she was able. She was employed at J.C. Penney as buyer for infants and children for many years and also later worked at Kiddies Band Box and Junior Miss. She also volunteered at ABCCM for many years.

Vesta was a very caring and compassionate person often buying clothes for nieces and nephews, as well as others when parents were not able to do so, and offering shelter in times of need for friends and family. She always had a smile for everyone she met and never failed to share her faith and love of God.

The family wishes to express appreciation for Hospice nurses Karen and Kyle as well as Megan and Martha Ann, for their loving and supportive care to mother and family. We also wish to thank the nurses, CNA’s and staff at Emerald Ridge for the excellent love and care shown to mother during her time there.

Graveside services for Mrs. Hardy will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 21 at Green Hills Cemetery, with Rev. Bruce Buckner officiating.

After the service, the family will be at the home of Nancy Rathburn, 225 Cedar View Dr., Asheville, NC 28803.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Brookstone Church.