Elizabeth F. Hardy

Elizabeth F. Hardy, acclaimed athlete, model, author, and political advocate passed away on November 9, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of beauty, grace, and achievement.

Born and reared in Forsyth County and a graduate of Forsyth County High School, Elizabeth was the second of ten children of Thomas Watson Henderson and Vallie Belle Kelley Henderson. From an early age, she displayed a unique combination of intellectual curiosity, athletic talent, and poise. A standout student and athlete, she was coached in basketball by Almon C. Hill and was voted “Most Athletic” in high school alongside her classmate, Johnny Abbott.

Her love for the game continued into adulthood, as she joined the Atlanta Tomboys, a semi-professional women’s basketball team coached by Johnny Moon. The Tomboys were pioneers in women’s sports, paving the way for future generations of professional athletes. Their remarkable contributions, along with Elizabeth’s own, are now preserved in the archives of the Atlanta History Center.

During this “season” of life, she was crowned National Queen of Basketball, an honor that celebrated not only her athletic ability but also her beauty and confidence.

Soon, Elizabeth’s talents and accolades extended beyond the court, and she achieved international success as a model, gracing both print and runway with her elegance and poise. Additionally, her presence and reputation earned her recognition in Who’s Who in Atlanta, and she shared her insight and charm with readers as a columnist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in a column, “Beauty by Betty.” Later, her gifts as a writer reached national audiences when she became a best-selling author of a historical novel. Her greatest stories and recollections, however, were those of her family’s Appalachian roots, heritage, and humble upbringing. She had a special way of blending her memories with the rich history of the Henderson family, sharing them with warmth and pride. Her nieces and nephews especially enjoyed the moments spent listening to her stories, which she told with love and affection.

Her commitment to empowering others ultimately led her to serve as Director of the John Robert Powers Finishing School where she mentored young women in cultivating confidence and grace. Later, after returning to Forsyth County, she used her experience to instruct and inspire the next generation of women in the finer points of poise and social graces.

Also, deeply engaged in civic life, Elizabeth worked under then-Governor Jimmy Carter during his presidential campaign in Atlanta prior to his election in 1976. Later, she served as lead campaign director for Ohio gubernatorial candidate and television evangelist, Leroy Jenkins.

A proud American, she remained passionately involved in politics throughout her life, guided by her love of country and patriotism.

Elizabeth was brilliant, and her indomitable spirit was the driving force behind every chapter of her remarkable life. She possessed an unyielding determination that refused to be confined by circumstance or convention. Whether breaking barriers in women’s athletics, gracing international runways, or writing stories that resonated with readers, she approached each pursuit with determination. Her influence reached across the worlds of sports, fashion, literature, and public life. Of all her many accomplishments, however, Elizabeth was most proud of her children, her beloved Henderson family, and her numerous nieces and nephews. She cherished each of them deeply.

Elizabeth is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Henry) Watson of Dawsonville, Georgia; grandchildren Sophia and David, and granddaughter, Heather (Scott) Jordan of Sandy Springs, Georgia; great-granddaughter Ashlyn; and daughter-in-law Gloria Perry of Cleveland, Georgia. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Elizabeth is joyfully reunited in Heaven with many beloved family members. She was preceded in death by her son, Jeffrey Alex Perry; her parents, Thomas Watson Henderson and Vallie Belle Kelley Henderson; sisters Brenda Woodham, Barbara Sargent, Vivian Martin, and Velma Stickel; and brothers Jimmy Henderson, Hugh Henderson, Danny Henderson, Larry Henderson and Roger Henderson.

Elizabeth was never one to tell her age, so when she passed, she was “only one day older than yesterday.”

Elizabeth passed with care and dignity.

Memorial services will be held Friday, November 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Ingram Funeral Home Chapel, with Mr. Jon Heard officiating and piano music by Mrs. Joni Poulnott. Interment will follow at Shady Grove Baptist Church, Cumming, Georgia.

The family will receive visitors at Ingram Funeral Home on Thursday, November 13 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and on November 14 in the hour prior to the service.