Wanda Fern Hardin

Wanda Fern Rice Hardin passed from this life into eternal joy on September 17, 2026, at the age of 87, in Clifton, Texas.

A visitation will be held on September 21, 2026, from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Meridian United Pentecostal Church in Meridian, Texas. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 A.M., with burial to follow at Meridian Memorial Cemetery in Meridian, Texas.

Wanda Rice Hardin passed from this life into eternal joy on September 17, 2026, at the age of 87. Born on May 21, 1939, Wanda Fern was a daughter of Meridian, Texas, in the truest sense. Her life was a beautiful thread in the tapestry of Meridian’s rich history and it was there that she played as a child, was educated, raised a beautiful family, worshiped, worked, dreamed, and served others. In 1959, she married James C. Hardin, and for the next 59 years they built a life together that was steady, deeply rooted in their community, and unmistakably their own. Wanda and James were an inseparable pair but her quiet strength was the heart and soul of their beautiful story. Together they raised three sons, opened businesses, entertained, weathered life's joys and sorrows, served others, and played an undeniably meaningful role in their community.

Wanda and James were no strangers to new adventures, and over the years their names became familiar ones around town. Together they owned and operated Clifton Floral, Webb-Hardin Warehouse, Meridian Laundromat, and the beautiful Rose Hill Terrace Bed & Breakfast. Their lives were filled with the people and places that make a small town more than simply a spot on a map. Wanda was a longtime member of Meridian United Pentecostal Church, and her unshakable faith remained woven throughout the seasons of her life. While she played many roles, the one she held most dearly was within her family. She did far more than keep a house; she made a home- a place of warmth and peace, of meals prepared with love, traditions faithfully kept, and rooms made cozy and familiar for the people she loved. She understood that a home should be a refuge, a gathering place, and an anchor for a family, and she spent a lifetime creating just that.

Wanda’s homegoing brings a sweet reunion with her husband of 59 years, James C. Hardin, and their son, Rev. Gregory Kyle Hardin.

She is survived by her sons, Barry Todd Hardin and wife Lisa, and Brian Joseph Hardin and wife Kristy; daughter-in-law Gayla Hardin; sister, Myra Hennigan; grandchildren, Joshua Hardin and wife, Katie, Matthew Hardin, Sonia Hardin, Lindsey Autery and husband, Josh, Macey Autery and husband, Clay, Kalyn Marlette and husband, Nathan, Alexander Hardin and wife, Angelica, Gabby Hardin, and Brenndon Hardin. She also leaves behind 15 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and generations of people who knew and loved her.

Arrangements were entrusted to Lawson Funeral Home, 254-435-2792.