Weaverville – Ms. Vesta Hardy, a resident of Emerald Ridge in Woodfin, celebrated her 103rd birthday on June 10 with family and friends. Hardy was born on June 10, 1919 in Buncombe County to the late Marion and Jessie King Wright. That’s right, 1919. The First World War was still going on; Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and D.W. Griffith had just launched United Artists; and Woodrow Wilson was president.
Vesta was the eighth born out of ten children. In October of 1938, she was married to Jim Chandley, and they raised four children, Jo Ann, Jim, Elaine, and Nancy. Now, she is the proud grandmother of 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Hardy will tell you that she is a very blessed lady with a loving and kind family. Vesta worked for many years at JC Pennys. She is a member of Merrimon Avenue Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for over 50 years. She is the co-founder of “Keen Agers,” a group of senior citizens. Vesta planned many trips with them to bring the group out to serve the community as well as celebrate life together.
Vesta is proud to say that she lived her life to serve the Lord and those around her, which greatly pleased her. Her family says that you never went to Vesta’s home and she did not feed you. Vesta has always put others’ needs before her own. She was a missionary to the community and is known best for always showing up when needed. Vesta credits her longevity to her living by faith and contentment with the life that she was blessed to live.
Her family brought in cake, ice cream, and gifts for Vesta, and staff members, residents, and guests celebrated this special day. A marvelous milestone and time to reflect on the years gone by, recalling her life’s happiest days and highlights.