Yolanda Jean Hardwick passed away at Orange Park Medical Center on February 17, 2024. She was born to Benny and June Benson on January 10, 1953, in Eden, North Carolina. As the daughter of a Navy Chief Petty Officer, she moved to various locations such as Tokyo, Japan, San Diego, California, and finally to Jacksonville, FL. Yolanda grew up surrounded by the love of her parents and was the oldest of three siblings: Terry, Chuck, and Tami.
Yolanda enjoyed playing softball and working as a lifeguard at Naval Air Station Jacksonville during her high school years. In 1971, she graduated from Forrest High School and married the love of her life, Ronald Hardwick. A year later, their union was blessed with a son, Derick Hardwick. Yolanda embraced motherhood with grace and dedication, taking on the role of homemaker with love and devotion.
After graduation, Yolanda continued to play softball and was an avid lover of music and passed those passions to her son, Derick, who played baseball and learned to play the drums at the age of 13. Yolanda’s greatest joy was her grandson, Nicholas, whom she adored and cherished. She took pride in watching him grow and flourish, sharing in his accomplishments and milestones with unwavering love and support.
Yolanda is survived by her husband of 52 years, Ronald Hardwick; son, Derick Hardwick (Kim); grandson, Nicholas Hardwick; sister, Tami Chambliss (Larry); nephews, Tim Swinney (Jessica), Brad Swinney (Amber), and Dillon Chambliss (Joy); as well as many great nephews, great nieces, extended family members, and friends.
Yolanda's legacy of love, kindness, and laughter will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered for her unwavering strength, her boundless compassion, and the light she brought into the lives of those around her. She is now home with her Lord and Savior.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024, at the Ponte Vedra Valley funeral home at 4:00 PM.
