Bonnie Lavonne Hardin's Obituary
LaVonne “Bonnie” Blackmon Hardin, 84, a beloved mother, a treasured sister and a devoted member of the Primitive Baptist Church Association passed away peacefully on December 4, 2024, in Pickering, Louisiana. She was born on September 12,1940, in Leesville, Louisiana to Hermon and Euna “Mutt” Brown Blackmon.
Bonnie was the adored mother of Alan Hardin (Sheila) and Melanie Tarjick (Todd). She was supportive and encouraging for whatever endeavors her children pursued. She was better known as “Nana”. She was cherished by her grandchildren Jordann, Tucker, Daniel, Andrew and Emily. Bonnie treasured her great grandchildren Tylee, TJ and recently Ava Cate. She was the dear sister of Pete Blackmon and David Blackmon (Pat). Bonnie had a special relationship with many however, she had a special bond with Pete’s children, (Tamela Kirby (Roger), Tanya Poirrier (Ricky) and Todd Blackmon (Lauren)). They had a unique name for her, BaeBae. Bonnie was close to her cousins on both sides of her family, the Browns and Blackmon’s. She was especially fond of Terri Brown and Larry Joe Brown.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents Hermon and Mutt Blackmon; her first nephew, Terry Blackmon; her best friend/sister Dr. Cynthia Gillespie.
Alan and Melanie had the best MOM ever. There was nothing she would not do for both her children. Her children were just one of many proud accomplishments. When her kids were younger, they were involved with horses. Mom made many trips to visit Alan and his family. Nana loved to bake brownies for his family. Nana also made trips to see Melanie’s family. Somehow every summer she would find a way to keep Jordann and Tucker even though she was her mother’s caregiver. After Melanie’s family moved DFW, they were privileged to live next door to Nana in Paw Brown’s old house. She knew everything that was going on at their house. She would always tell Melanie “I just happened to see ….”. After Melanie’s family moved back in 2009, she and Melanie were always seen together in Leesville. With the conditions Melanie has, Bonnie would make every doctor’s appointment with her. Nana believed in higher education for her loved ones. Nana was super proud of Tucker and Daniel who both are working on higher education.
Bonnie grew up in Pickering as a Primitive Baptist Preacher’s child who was also a cattleman, cotton farmer and a school bus driver. She was raised by a father who believed children with idol hands would lead to trouble. She and her brothers worked before school and immediately after school until there was no sunlight remaining. Throughout the years, she and Pete remained present in each other’s lives. In fact, they rarely went for a day without talking on the phone to one another.
Bonnie’s life was a shining example of deep faith and belief in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was proud of her faith and stood strong in those beliefs even when others waived. Bonnie was a long-time member of Enon Primitive Baptist Church in Pickering until it disbanded.
Bonnie loved being outdoors and worked hard almost every day. In her prior years, she would have multiple beautiful growing vegetable gardens year after year. Bonnie also loved taking care of her yard. She kept a manicured lawn up until the past three years when her son-in-law, Todd, started mowing it for her. She made sure she still helped him by opening the side gate to her backyard. When Tylee and TJ came to Melanie’s, she would always visit with them and loved to watch them swim. In fact, she spent many hours with Todd and Tucker on their back porch just making memories. She also enjoyed sitting at the end of her garage watching the cars go by, the squirrels playing, feeding her hummingbirds and keeping the garage clean.
Bonnie was an animal lover. She mostly cared for the animals Alan and Melanie would bring home to her. Bonnie was not a person who enjoyed traveling other than seeing her family; in fact, she was extremely content living on Browns Lane. She always looked forward to her visit from Terri Brown when she returned home for a visit.
After graduating from Pickering School in 1958, Bonnie attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana where she obtained her Bachelor of Education and her Master’s Degree in Special Education. She taught for two years in Vinton, Louisiana before being hired as a Special Education teacher for Rosepine School. Bonnie realized she was becoming the students mother. She asked to transfer to the 5th grade. By 1970, Bonnie was teaching the 5th grade at Pickering School. She LOVED teaching during those years. She would always refer to that period as her wonderful years. While she was considered a “hard as nails” teacher, she could also show a compassionate spirit when she knew there was a child in need. While she obtained her master’s degree in special education, she loved teaching 5th grade at Pickering School and then Pickering Elementary. She was a stickler for many things, but you were never allowed to say the phrase “shut up” in her classroom. If Mrs. Hardin heard you saying that word, you would be writing lines of “I will not say the word shut up in Mrs. Hardin’s class again”. Mrs. Hardin was tough but fair to every student she taught. While the number was few, those who “got licks” knew she could swing a paddle even on the last day of school just ask Rusty Bailey!!!! Her wisdom in and out of the classroom touched countless lives.
After retirement, Bonnie had many hobbies which included hand quilting quilts, making curtains for Melanie along with her customized business suits and cross stitching. The family chose to display some of Bonnie’s favorite quilts and cross stitches.
The family would like to invite everyone to attend the graveside service at Cooper Cemetery Leesville, Louisiana on December 12, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. Officiated by Bro. Tommy Kiker and Bro. Wayne Painter.
Ricky Littleton, Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office AND one of her favorite students, escorts Bonnie to where she will be laid at rest.
Special thank you to Vernon Home Health nurses Erica Wetherell and Amber Foraker and Hospice of Leesville especially Alexis Sepulvado, Kim Martin and Darin Williams.
What’s your fondest memory of Bonnie?
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Share a story where Bonnie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bonnie you’ll never forget.
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