It was an early Saturday morning, April 6, 2013, when the finish line in the race of life was crossed by Arnecia Smallwood Hardison, also known as “Neicy.” She was born in Washington, N.C., on March 25, 1934, to the late Milander and Rosetta Smallwood. She was married to the late William Alfred Hardison, also known as “Bally,” who preceded her in death on June 3, 1997.

Arnecia retired after 20 years of employment at Newport News Shipyard as a linesman.

She was a faithful member of St. Paul RZUA Church, where she was an active member of the usher board, missionary circle, hospitality, choir, and loving care committee. She was a dedicated member of the kitchen staff, where she loved to cook and serve. Arnecia cooked not only for her church family but also for her friends. She was famous to all for her apple and potato jacks, carrot cakes, cabbage and her golden brown chicken. In her lifetime she touched so many people. She was a friend to all and did whatever she could for anyone. She was known to all of the grandchildren’s friends as “Grandma” whenever they met her. She was a special lady.

Arnecia leaves to cherish her memory four children who devoted all of their time caring for her during her illness, Clinton R. Hardison (Norma), Maxine H. Jordan (John), who cared for her mother full time, Marion H. Sherrod and William C. Hardison Sr. (Flossie); 10 grandchildren who were all the apple of her eye, Tina Joyner, Natarsha Richardson (Taurus), Derrick Hardison (Katina), LaRonda Thomas, Minoso Rodgers, Clintonia Hardison, Michael Rodgers, James A Sherrod III, William Hardison Jr. and Shadonna Hicks (Robert); 18 great-grandchildren; a sister, Rosie Boyd; a sister-in-law, Shirley Boone (John L.); a goddaughter, Marilyn Skeeter (Howard); several devoted friends who were always available for whenever they were needed (Claudia Hill, Mary A. Slade, Mary Whitley, Tameka Grant, Helen Simmons and Selena Powell) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday April 12, 2013, at St. Paul RZUA Church, 619 Spruce St., Suffolk, officiated by Dr. Edward Foreman. Interment will be at the Carver Memorial Cemetery. Crocker Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Condolences can be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com. The family will be receiving visitors the home of Mrs. Hardison, 2210 Vermont Ave., Suffolk.