Milton Hardley

Milton Hardley, Sr. was born April 14, 1930, to the late Oliver & Lizzette Hardley in Union Spring, Alabama. Milton accepted Christ at an early age. He was baptized and a member of Second Baptist Church, where he served as a gospel Quartet Singer. He later moved to Birmingham Alabama, where he met and fell in love with Laura Mozell Douglas. The two later married and where blessed with seven children, Gloria, Katherine, Milton, Jr., Benjamin, Roosevelt, Margarine and Alfonza. Laura Mozell Douglas preceded them in death. Milton later met and fell in love with, Mary Elizabeth. They married and were blessed with four additional children, Darrell Hitt, twins, Janice and Janet, and the last pea in the dish, Mildred Lynn Hardley. They all became a blended family of 11. Milton worked for North Fork Western Railroad and his job later transferred the family to Cleveland, Ohio in 1969. During this time he bought a house on Grantwood where they met families and friends that all became a loving community who took care of each other. Milton & Mary became proud members of Pentecostal Faith Holiness Church of God, where Milton served as the Deacon and was known as "Deek" by his friends and coworkers. Milton thought himself a musician, he would play his guitar only playing two cords, Milton often played until one day he was given a piano in hopes of Lynn playing while he was playing the guitar till one day Lynn played the Boosie Woosie he couldn't keep up and said that ain't no church music and quit playing. Milton loved the Lord and served with his whole heart. Mary preceded Milton in death in 2002, Milton remained a member of Pentecostal Faith Holiness Church of God under the leadership of Pastor James Penn Sr. He later attended church with Janet & Lynn becoming a faithful member of Greater Fair Temple under the leadership of Pastor Willie McMillan, Jr. Milton was preceded in death by.... Milton leaves to cherish his memory, Norma Hairston, Ollie Mae Kirby (Lawrence), Lizzette Wilson, Oliver Hadley, Jr. Ollie Mae Kirby (Jay) and one son-in-law, Jessie Hardley 102 years old. Milton had 21 grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.