Vickie Brooks Hardie: Clarendon
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1964 – 2026
Vickie Brooks Hardie of the Mollie Community, Clarendon, died Monday, May 18, in her home. She was 61.
Born in Columbus County, she was the daughter of the late Dail Brooks Hardie and Emma Neil Ward Hardie.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Donna Neil Hardie.
Vickie was a proud graduate and valedictorian of her high school class. She continued her education at the University of Wilmington and the University of Charlotte, where she graduated with honors earning her degree in Criminal Justice. Her dedication and strong work ethic led her into a career as a private investigator before continuing her service with the NC Department of Public Safety. She took great pride in her career and faithfully worked her way up to Associate Warden, serving until her retirement. Her retirement came on the very same day she welcomed her pride and joy, her grandson Emerson, into the world a few weeks early… a moment that became one of the greatest blessings of her life.
Vickie also proudly served on the Columbus County Fair Board, where she could often be found working the pass gate, helping with Kindergarten Day, keeping the lines moving at the demolition derby, or simply enjoying all things fair-related with her beloved grandson. The fair held a special place in her heart, not only because of the traditions she loved, but because it became another place where memories were made with the people she loved most.
Her love for animals extended deeply throughout her life. Her fur babies were family to her, and caring for them brought her great comfort and happiness.
After retirement, she embraced her favorite role of all which was “GaGa.” She cherished every moment spent laughing, staying on the go with her daughter and grandson, and enjoying the simple joys of life at home with her fur babies, Mitch, and Ethan. More than anything, Vickie loved her daughter Jessica and grandson Emerson with her whole heart. They were her greatest purpose, her greatest joy, and the center of her world.
She was also especially thankful for her Tuesday night ladies, whose friendship, laughter, and companionship meant so much to her throughout the years.
She is survived by her daughter, Jessica Ann Edwards of Whiteville; one grandson, Emerson Brooks Edwards; special friend Mitch Dudney of Clarendon; bonus son Ethan Dudney of Tabor City; special aunt and uncle Tom and Nancy Marlowe of Clarendon; two fur babies, Minnie and Frank; and one grand fur baby, Millie.
Honors will be rendered by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety Honor Guard in recognition of her years of dedicated service and commitment to the State of North Carolina.
Visitation was planned from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 21, in the Inman Ward Funeral Home Chapel.
Funeral services were planned for 11 a.m. Friday, May 22, in the Inman Ward Funeral Home Chapel, burial following in Forest Lawn Cemetery.
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