Royce D. Hardy

Royce Daniels Hardy, a lifelong resident of Marianna passed away Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Royce was known as one of the four sisters who worked at the local telephone company as an operator, as evidenced by an article in the Jackson County Floridan on October 20, 1961. From there, she was the church secretary at First Baptist Church. Royce made her profession of 37 years as a beautician. During this time, she was always willing to mentor those newly graduated who were trying to get into the business.

Royce was preceded in death by her parents, J.W. and Lissie Daniels, her husband of 62 years, Donald Allen Hardy, and her oldest daughter, Kimberly Hardy-LeBlanc, all of Marianna; her brother, James Daniels of Columbus, GA, sisters, Audrey Beauchamp of Atlanta, GA, Carolyn Daniels, and Mary Ann Mears, both of Marianna.

She is survived by her daughter, Kristi Broom and husband, Michael; granddaughter, Emily Gould and husband, Elliott, all from Chipley; sister, Jean Holmes of Gulfport, MS, along with many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 2, 2026, at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel with Rev. Tommy Moore officiating.

Private burial will be in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

The family would like to give special thanks to Stethescope Staffing, the nurses, doctors, and staff at Marianna Health & Rehab, Vitas Healthcare, Vitas Chaplain, Riley Henderson, and especially hospice nurse, April Champion.

The family would also like to give special recognition to friends, Curly and Tex Pittman for helping take care of Don and Royce in their final days.