Barbara Louise Hardy was the first born child to Ebbie Johnal Hardy and Myrtle Hardy (Brazier) at St. Mary’s Hospital in East Saint Louis, Ill. Six siblings would eventually follow her birth. Barbara was a member of St. Luke’s Church and sang soprano in the choir. She was educated in the public schools, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1954 and also attended Saint Louis University’s School of Nursing.
Barbara and Abraham Wendell Bolden, Sr. grew up around the corner from each other and attended grade school together. They continued their friendship through their teenage years and eventually their friendship blossomed into a life-long relationship. They were united in holy matrimony and on December 30, 2005, they would have celebrated their 49th anniversary.
They became proud parents of children Ahvia, Abraham Jr., and Daaim. The Boldens settled on the south side of Chicago, where Barbara worked as a machine operator at Nabisco for 19 years. Later in life, Barbara became a member of the Moorish Science Temple of America and eventually became one of the founding members of the Masjid Ul Salaam.
Barbara transitioned into eternity on Tuesday, December 27, 2005 at 11:11 a.m. at Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago.
She was preceded in death by her father Ebbie, mother Myrtle, sister Gwendolyn, brother Johnal.
Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Abraham W. Bolden, Sr.; children Ahvia M. Reynolds; Abraham Jr. (Toni) of Chicago; Dr. Daaim A. Shabazz of Tallahassee, FL; grandchildren Isma’il T. and Cydni R. Bolden (Chicago); siblings Furman Hardy of Los Angeles, Milton Hardy of East St. Louis, Carolyn Jefferies and Beverly Hardy of St. Louis; aunt Eugenia Armistead (Joe) of East St. Louis, and host of other relatives and friends.
