Semonia Marie Hardy, 78, transitioned to her Heavenly Father, Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022.
Semonia was born on July 24, 1944, in Lake Charles, La., to Telesphore and Lillian (Jones) Lemelle. She was the youngest of seven children, who grew up in “Car Shop” where she attended St. John Elementary School.
Semonia was a graduate of Washington High School, Class of 1962, where she was active in various organizations and the Homecoming Court. Semonia met and fell in love with the love of her life, Kirby Hardy, at Washington High School. After a 3-year engagement, the high school sweethearts married on June 6, 1965, and to their union 3 children were born.
Semonia joined the work force after graduating from Delta School of Business College. Semonia worked many years and retired from American Bank of Commerce, where she was the Head Teller Supervisor. She later went to work for the Diocese at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic School as an Administrative Assistant.
She enjoyed her weekly hair appointments, bowling (co-ed bowling league member) cooking, dancing, and she loved a good laugh but most of all she enjoyed spending every moment she could with her children, grandchildren, and family. She was the biggest cheerleader for both the Hardy and Lemelle family. She loved to attend games and events that her children and grandchildren participated in. Semonia loved and supported her husband and children unconditionally, their happiness was her happiness.
She believed in family first, and family was the foundation of her life. Her dear son, Kevin, was diagnosed with kidney renal failure at the age of two, Semonia not only donated her kidney to Kevin, but she also became a strong vocal advocate for organ donation.
She was an avid sports fan. She spent hours watching tennis, basketball (Milwaukee Bucs – Giannis Antetokounmpo), her favorite player, track and field and football. She enjoyed watching Family Feud, playing candy crush.
Semonia was preceded in death by her son, Kevin Hardy; parents, Telesphore and Lillian (Jones) Lemelle; siblings, Gertrude Lemelle, Eugene Lemelle, Charles Lemelle; nieces, Julie Lemelle, Wanda Lemelle, Monica Guillory; nephews, Matt Hardy, Derek Lemelle; brothers-in-law, Willie Smith and Franklin Geyen.
She leaves to cherish her memories is her high school sweetheart and husband of 57 years, Kirby Hardy; daughter, Karen (Harold) McReynolds; and son, Kurt (Tracie) Hardy; granddaughters, Karley Picou and Kennedy Hardy; grandsons, Karlin Hardy and Kelvin Hardy; great-grandson, Kyrick “Ky Ky” Picou; siblings, Dorothy Geyen, Frederick (Connie) Lemelle, Thomas (Margaret) Lemelle; sisters-in-law, Barbara Allison, all of Lake Charles, La., and Mary Lemelle of St. Louis, Mo.; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
A special acknowledgement to their bonus Daughter Juanita Darbonne-Davis for her love and support during some of the most trying times.
Visitation will be Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Combre Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. in Combre Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral service will be Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, at 1 p.m. in Immacaulate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery under the direction of Combre Funeral Home.
Words of comfort may be shared at www.combrefuneralhome.com.