Jennette Hardy passed away at home on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. She was born on August 10, 1937, in Hampton, Virginia, to the late John O. and Thelma M. Timberlake and was the light of their eyes. She worked for the civil service for almost 40 years, retiring from the Naval Weapons Station. Her passion in life was loving and caring for little children and animals. She was devoted to and loved her family and God.
Jennette was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Floyd Hare and Jack Timberlake; and a niece, Karen Friend. She is survived by her husband William E. Hardy; her sister Marjorie Charles; and her five children: Sylvia and Randy Huff, David and Cathy Ratley, Kenneth Ratley, Bonnie Ratley, her baby Sheila Ratley, and Jackie and Rocky Jones; Joe Flemming, who she thought of as a son; as well as ten grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 5, at 12:00 P.M. at Peninsula Funeral Home with burial to follow in Peninsula Memorial Park.
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If I am not able to come to your mom’s funeral, I want you to read this out loud to everybody from me
For My Sweet Aunt Jeanette
Written with love by your little niece, Sharon Joyce Pitts
Oh, Aunt Jeanette, my heart just overflows,
With memories of you, as soft as a rose.
You were Daddy’s sister, his pride and delight,
And now you’re with him, in Heaven’s bright light.
You were a beautiful soul, through and through,
Always loving, always giving, always true.
All the children, you gathered with care,
With bologna sandwiches and Coca-Cola to share.
Your kitchen smelled like love, warm and sweet,
There was always good food and plenty to eat.
We’d run in your yard, barefoot and free,
Laughing and playing—those days shaped me.
You had five precious children—my dear cousins so bright,
Sylvia, David, Kenny, Bonnie, and Sheila’s light.
Then there was Karen, Michael, Angie, and me,
All together, one big happy family.
I remember the summers, the long sunny days,
Riding our bicycles, finding new ways
To giggle and play ‘til the fireflies came,
Those moments of childhood will never be the same.
When y’all moved to Denby, that townhouse so fine,
We’d pack our bags and stay for a time.
Swimming and laughing, adventures galore,
David and Kenny would lead us to explore.
We’d swing from the trees down into the dam,
Splashing and swimming, as fast as we ran.
Oh, those were the days, full of sunshine and cheer,
I’d give anything to have you back here.
Then Ocean View called with its house by the sea,
And sandbars became our kingdom of glee.
We’d swim out together, the salt on our skin,
Not knowing those moments were treasures within.
Aunt Jeanette, I’ll miss you more than words can say,
But I know you’re with Grandma and Daddy today.
I can almost see you, so happy and bold,
Dancing with Jesus on streets made of gold.
Your laughter will echo, your love will remain,
A light in my heart that will never wane.
Until I join you, when my time is through,
I’ll cherish each memory, each moment with you.
Thank you for love that never did cease,
I love you forever, your little niece.
Love Sharon
To my wonderful family our hearts go out to you all. We cannot thank her enough for being a amazing Aunt and role model for me in life. What an awesome sweet spirit I was so fortunate to call my beloved Aunt. Our deepest sympathy,prayers , and condolences to my family.I love you all. Angie, Freddie, Joel , Jesse, Johnny, and James Kashouty/Timberlakes