Laureen Hardy Lockhart, age 65, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 29, 2020, at St. Dominic's Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. She was born May 16, 1955, in Simpson County, Mississippi, to the late Rev. William and Mrs. Christine (Dixon) Hardy. She was the sixth of nine children born to this union. Two siblings (William and Doris) preceded her in death.

She accepted Christ at an early age and joined in fellowship with Nazareth Missionary Baptist Church in Mendenhall, Mississippi. She was a 1973 graduate of Mendenhall High School. She married Donald R. Lockhart, Sr. on May 13, 1978 in Mendenhall, Mississippi, and they were married for 42 years. To this union, two children were born. She was a Marine Corps spouse for 20 years and was an anchor for her husband and children during the time he was called to serve our country. Laureen believed in raising and supporting her children, encouraging them in academics as well as extracurricular activities. Upon retirement, the family moved back to Mendenhall where she worked for the Simpson County School District and then the Mississippi State Extension Service until her retirement in October 2018. She was a member of St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church in Mendenhall, Mississippi and served faithfully in the church and community. Over the years, Laureen passionately volunteered, served on many boards, committees and community organizations. She always led by example and put her whole heart into helping others. She received many accolades and awards for her hard work and dedication and was often featured in the local newspaper. She loved people, she loved to serve and she gave the best hugs.

She leaves to cherish her memory: a loving husband, Donald R. Lockhart, Sr. of Mendenhall, Mississippi; two (2) children, Diedra R. Dixon of Conway, Arkansas and Donald R. Lockhart, Jr. of Landstuhl, Germany; a granddaughter, Corrin C. Dixon of Mendenhall, Mississippi; three (3) sisters, Alice (Claude) Smith of Byram, Mississippi, Bertha Hardy Smith of Jackson, Mississippi and Yvonne Clarke of San Jose, California; three (3) brothers, Billy (Jesse) Hardy of Conyers, Georgia, Edgar (Fannie) Hardy and Larry (Lindia) Hardy of Jackson, Mississippi; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.