Rev. Virginia L. Hardy

Apostle Virginia Laurena Johnson Hardy, peacefully departed this life on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Tidal Health Peninsula Regional, Salisbury, MD.  She was born on June 26, 1948, in Upper Hill, MD to the late Franklin & Beatrice Johnson, Sr.  She was married for 27 years to her devoted husband, Jasper E. Hardy Jr.

Virginia leaves to cherish in addition to her husband; four children Vanessa (Carl) Hawkins of Eden MD, Rudolph (Daphne) Tilghman of Glen Burnie, MD, Helen Hardy of Bowie, MD and Victor Hardy of Delaware; four grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren; two brothers, Charles (Ernestine) Johnson Sr. of Boston, MA, Leroy (Tina) Johnson of Princess Anne, MD; four sisters Roseanne Tilghman and Blanch “Deborah” (Samuel) Howell of Upper Hill, MD, Joan “Angel” (Alphonso) Collins, of Bowie, MD, Patrica “Pasty” Johnson of Crisfield, MD.  Three sisters-in-law; Darlene Johnson, Cindy Waters, Michelle (Bruce) Clark and two brothers-in-law; Warren Ballard and Rodney Hardy.  A host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Virginia obtained her formal education in the public schools of Somerset County.  She furthered her education at Wor-Wic Community College, Salisbury, MD to become a certified CNA.

After being certified with her CNA she worked at Tawes Nursing Home, Crisfield, MD for many years. She was also employed by Salisbury University as a secretary and was an adored Foster Grandparent to students at Princess Anne Head Start.

Virginia attended Christan World College of Theology, Salisbury, MD and the Apostolic Christian College, Washington DC, where she received her Apostle title that involved a comprehensive education program rooted in faith, and prepared her to further her career in ministry and service to her community and those around her.

Virginia gave her life to Christ at a very young age. She loved God with her hold heart, soul, mind and body. Virginia began her Christian journey under the leadership of Apostle Margaret Johnson her mentor and spiritual mother.

Virginia continued her ministry at Evangelistic Church of Deliverance. She served as the Youth President and Missionary.  In 2002 Viriginia would join the Salisbury Evangelistic Church of Deliverance, jurisdiction under the leadership of the late Apostle Govan Snead where she along with other churches was a part of the SECD Conventions. In 2004 Virginia would later move on to establish her own church, In His Image Outreach Ministries. In His Image Outreach Ministries was well known in the community not only for church on Sunday’s but the ability to connect with the youth in the community for “Tuesday Children Church”.

Virginia joined Higher Hope United Methodist Church, Salisbury, MD, under the leadership of Pastor Janice Humphrey. She was the Peninsula-Delaware Conference Representative as Higher Hope’s Lay Leader.  Virginia also served on several ministries at Higher Hope as Bible study teacher, Evangelist and Spiritual Advisor to Pastor Penni, the Laity Ministry and Praise team.  “Rev” as she was affectionately called acknowledges the honor of her Apostleship.  She has published two meditational calendars for Lent.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her daughter Melissa “Mindy” Tilghman; three brothers, Franklin B. “Frankie Boy” Johnson, Jr., Clinton Melvin “Sonny” Johnson, and James “Jimmy” Johnson Sr.

To know Virginia is to love Virginia.  Her love for family and people was insurmountable.  She always would go above and beyond to help others, always demonstrating christian compassion. Apostle Virigina Laurena Johnson Hardy will truly be missed.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Saint Andrews United Methodist Church, 8242 Upper Hill Road, Westover, MD (Upper Hill) with a viewing one-hour prior. A viewing will also be held 2:00 PM-6:00PM Friday, March 7, 2025, at Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne, MD.

Interment will follow at the Family Cemetery, in Upper Hill.