Iris Hardin

Iris Hardin, age 100, of Forest City, passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024 surrounded by family.

Iris was born on Saturday, September 13, 1924 in Cleveland County to the late Isaac Bridges and Sadie Rhodes Bridges. She was a homemaker for many years and enjoyed crocheting, gardening, and baking cakes. Being known as "The Cake Lady" her red-velvet cakes were her specialty. Iris was the last surviving charter member of Sandy Mush Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Chivous "Chib" Hardin; her son, Jerry Hardin; daughter-in-law, Jean Hardin; grandson, Jeff Hardin; brothers, Edward "Bo" Bridges, Joseph Bridges, Glen Bridges, and Samuel Bridges; and a sister, Gladys Adair.

Survivors include her daughter, Ann Simmons (Jerry), of Iron Station, N.C.; grandchildren, Amy Hardin, of Monroe, N.C., Jerri Neal (Freddie), of Otto, N.C., John Simmons (Ashley), of Iron Station, and Vanghi Hardin, of Peachland, N.C.; great-grandchildren, Preston Neal, Nathaniel Neal (Kacie), Jason Neal, Andrew Neal, Adrianna Neal, Emily Neal, Levi Neal, Isaac Neal, Walker Simmons, Mason Simmons, Aiden Simmons, Haley Daniel (Josey), and Colton Hardin; great-great-grandchildren, Becky Neal, Isaiah Neal, Grayson Neal, and Landen Neal; three great-great-grandchildren expected in October and December of 2024; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, October 4, 2024, at the Harrelson Funeral Home with Reverend Stephen Matheny officiating. Interment will follow the service in the Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home for an hour prior to the service.

In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to the Sandy Mush Baptist Church, 676 U.S. Highway 221A, Forest City, NC 28043; or to the Sandy Mush Fire Department, 557 U.S. Highway 221A, Forest City, NC 28043.