Deacon Moses Hardin

Dr. Moses Hardin, son of the late Floyd Hardin, Sr. and Geneva Land Wilkes, was born on October 21,1950 in Chester County, South Carolina. He peacefully left this life and entered into the presence of the Lord on December 12, 2023.

Dr. Moses Hardin attended the public schools of Chester County and graduated from Finley High School in 1969.  He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in French from Johnson C. Smith University (Charlotte, NC), a Master of Arts Degree in French from Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA), and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in French from The Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL).  A professor of French for 36 years (1976-2012) in the Modern and Classical Languages Department at Valdosta State University, Dr. Hardin embraced the profession with a vibrant passion, and in 1997, he wrote and published the noteworthy, iconoclastic Modern Techniques in a Seventeenth Century Writer:  Anne de la Roche-Guilhen.  In 2012, he was also honored as a “History Maker” for the Valdosta/Lowndes County. At the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Integration at VSU in 2013, Dr. Hardin was honored as a “Distinguished VSU Pioneer” for breaking barriers and helping to implement online teaching for the University System of Georgia, among other groundbreaking programs for the department.

In 1976, Moses Hardin met the love of his life, Dr. Shirley H. Hardin, and on June 17, 1978, the two were united in Holy Matrimony.  To this union, three lovely children were born: Keltrice, Jeremy and Eric.  This blessed couple was married for 45 years.

Moses Hardin accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior upon graduating from high school. He joined the Christian Home Baptist Church (Chester) where he served in the church’s Hymn Choir and directed seasonal plays.  In 1977, he joined the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, Valdosta, GA, where he sang in the Male Chorus, Choir #2, Sanctuary Choir and Mass Choir.  In 1981, he was ordained a deacon and served as the Board’s secretary and in many MSMBC outreach teaching ministries to include lead teacher for Bible Study for 25 years, the Jail\Prison Ministries, the Nursing Home Ministries, the Whole Way House Ministries, the MSMBC Street Ministries, the Men’s Fellowship, and the Baptist Training Union lead teacher.  Above all, he gave glory to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and spent most of his adult years pointing souls to Christ through his overwhelming passion, wisdom, and love.  If he were in church service, everyone would know it by his unapologetically “Amen”!!!

To cherish his memories, Deacon Hardin leaves behind his loving, devoted wife, Shirley Hodge Hardin; his children, Keltrice Monique and Eric Christopher (Valdosta, GA); and Jeremy Chase (Amanda) Hardin of Atlanta, GA.  Also cherishing his wonderful memories are three brothers:  Clinso Land, Sr. (Gladys); Curtis Hardin, Sr. (Lorene); Floyd Hardin (Mary); three sisters (Bessie Land), Ruthie Liggins (Obbie) and Sarah Hardin, all of Chester, South Carolina.  Preceding him in death are his parents and three brothers (John Wilkes, Carl Land, and Alonzo Hardin) and two sisters (Jennie Crosby and Flody B. Thompson).  His loving in-laws and bonus family include his father-in-law, Freddie Hodge, Sr. (Jakin, GA); sisters and brothers-in-law:   Dr. H. C. and Freddie Wilson (Leesburg, GA); Ralph and JoAnn Wims (Arlington, GA) Betty Burgess (Athens, GA); Freddie, Jr. and Mary Lois Hodge, (Donalsonville, GA); and Edward and Ethel Gaines (Covington, GA). His sister and brother-in law, Daniel and Ruby Hodge Roberts, preceded him in death.  Deacon Hardin is also survived by several beautiful and lovely nieces and nephews, a special cousin, Raymond Wilkes, several Godchildren (Charlotte, Kourtney, Monique, Tiffany, Jay & Aesha, Paul, KK, Malynda, Maya Rose, Josie, Janeen, Janice, Wallisha, Lewis, Clarese & Alexis), fishing buddies, his Morning Star Family, and a host of sorrowing relatives and endearing friends.

The Celebration of Life for the late Deacon Moses Hardin, will be Wednesday, December 20, 2023, 1:00 p.m., at Morning Star Baptist Church, 1051 Howell Road, Valdosta, GA, 31601.

Live Streaming will be available on Morning Star Missionary Church's Facebook page.

Dr. William C. Morgan will be officiating. Rev. Naamen Hooker is pastor and will be presiding.

Interment will follow in the Southview Cemetery, 2065 Clay Road, Valdosta, GA.

Public viewing will be Tuesday, December 19, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Godfrey Funeral Home, Valdosta, GA.

All those who wish to pay their respect in person must wear mask at the public viewing and at the funeral service.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.godfreyfuneralhome.net.

Professional services provided by Godfrey Funeral Home, LLC.

Due to COVID-19, Godfrey Funeral Home will be enforcing social distancing and following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.