Eunice Willene Hardy, 82, of Sedalia, Missouri, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, July 27, 2026, at the home of her daughter in Raytown, Missouri. She was born on December 19, 1943, in Sedalia, the daughter of Roma Richard Marshall and Eunice Odessa (Gray) Marshall, both of whom preceded her in death.

Willene was united in marriage to Ronald Lee Hardy in Sedalia. Through their union, they were blessed with three children. Ronald preceded her in death. Willene was later blessed with two additional children with Charles Clark.

Willene was a proud graduate of Lincoln-Hubbard High School, Class of 1962. She continued her education at State Fair Community College, where she earned an associate degree in Secretarial Administration. She began her career as a secretary at Town and Country Shoes. She later worked for Cook Book Publishers, Walmart, and The Salvation Army until her health no longer allowed her to continue working.

A lifelong and devoted member of Burns Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, Willene faithfully served her church in many capacities. Throughout the years, she served as church secretary and treasurer, sang in the choir, served on the Usher Board, and remained an active member of the Mother Board. She was lovingly known by her church family as "First Sunday" and "Shero."

Willene enjoyed scrapbooking, collecting Black figurines, watching Lifetime movies, and being actively involved in her church. Above all, she treasured her family and especially enjoyed spending time with them during holidays, family gatherings, and other special occasions. Her loving spirit, faithful service, and devotion to her family will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Willene is survived by her five children, Michele Jackson of Raytown, Missouri, Dana Loveless and her husband, James, of Raytown, Rhonda McLaren and her husband, Albert, of Oak Forest, Illinois, Tracy Pierce and her husband, Tyrece, of Sedalia, and Kevin Hardy and his significant other, Jennifer Wiseman, of Sedalia; three grandchildren, Brandon Franklin and his wife, Julie, Tyreel Hardy, and Diamond Loveless; fourteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-granddaughters; two brothers, Albert Marshall and his wife, Patricia, of Warner Robins, Georgia, and Charles Richard Marshall of Lawrence, Kansas; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Derek Jackson; a great-grandson, Tyree Hardy; three brothers, Thomas Wyatt, Clarence Marshall, and Loytus Marshall; and four sisters, Georgella Lyles, Mary Hill, June Jefferson, and Yvonne Jones.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Burns Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in Sedalia, with Bishop Paul Jones officiating.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church.

Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery in Sedalia.

Pallbearers will be announced.

Honorary pallbearers will be Nettie Jean King, Belva Morney, Tina Boggess, Connie Washington, Karen Parks, Zula Poindexter, and Gail Barber.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel.