Jane Hardy Meredith
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Jane's obituary
Jane Hardy Meredith
“The Epitome of the Genteel Southern Woman”
It is with deep sorrow that we, her family and friends, announce Jane Hardy Meredith gracefully entered the kingdom of heaven, on January 4, 2024, after a valiant battle with a rare form of cancer. Jane lived a vibrant life that was passionate, intentional, filled with love, kindness, and grace.
Born on May 29, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to the parents of Lyman C. Hardy and Evelyn Viola Wurm Hardy. Both preceded her in death, but whose love and guidance shaped her into the remarkable person she was.
Raised in Tuscaloosa, she graduated from the University of Alabama, where she studied abroad and ventured across Europe. While overseas as a young student, Jane supplemented her income as a ski instructor and a model.
In later years, Jane traveled the world as a business executive, finding herself in Latin America one week and Asia the next; always making friends along her journey and impacting every person she met and with every accomplishment she achieved. In her travels, she and Tom met in Greece and were married 3 days later! A proper Episcopal wedding was held a year later in Tuscaloosa. They both loved to travel the world, returning to Greece and Italy many times often bringing their friends to enjoy their favorite spots, including the renewal of their vows on their 25th anniversary in Santorini performed by the Mayor.
Through the gift of her first pony from her father, Jane discovered her love for horses and riding. As a young woman, her father introduced her to the Tennessee Walking Horse industry, where she brilliantly showed Tennessee Walkers and pursued that with all the love and passion that was synonymous with Jane.
Her passion drove her to become one of the most exquisite riders ever in the Walking Horse show ring. Jane backed a lot of winners, as an owner and rider, including multiple World Grand Champions. Also dedicated to the proper breeding, she proudly raised 3 amazing mares - Exclusive Choice (World Champion), A Beautiful Choice (2 Time World Champion) and Cash Is My Choice (multi-time Reserve World Champion).
After her time in the ring, she dedicated years of service to the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) and was instrumental in the the Academy program for young riders to learn more about horsemanship.
Jane’s love of animals extended to raising and Schutzhund training of German Shepards, including her precious Java and Bella. She was a founding member of the Schutzhund Club Copper Creek DVG at Wolfbrook Dog Club, where she and Tom made life-long friends.
In her professional career, Jane’s leadership in the skincare industry was instrumental in the worldwide growth and distribution of major brands including Perricone, Murad and Unilever. Her love of people fostered countless friendships across the industry. She felt a calling to mentor both men and women to strive for excellence in both their professional and personal lives.
Throughout her life, Jane found deep solace and spiritual fulfillment with her personal relationship in Jesus Christ. She and Tom attended many churches over the years and visited many throughout their global travels. They were faithful members of Restoration Church, where they felt the love of Jesus there through so many friendships.
Jane leaves behind the love of her life and adoring husband of 40 years of marriage, Thomas T. Meredith, who stood by her side throughout their adventures and journey in this life together.
She also leaves a legacy of cherished memories for her family; brother, Lyman H. Hardy, and his daughter, Taylor N. Hardy; her brother, C. Glen Hardy, his wife Maria Hardy and their children, Charles G. Hardy, James D. Hardy, and Emily F. Hardy; her brother, Michael B. Hardy, his wife Chastity Hardy and their children, Evelyn N. Hardy, Ainsley J. Hardy, and Caroline B. Hardy, as well as so many precious friends across the country that she considered her extended family.
A memorial service to honor Jane's life will be held:
February 3, 2024, at 11:00 AM EST
Restoration Church
410 Rucker Road
Alpharetta, Georgia 30004
We invite all who knew and loved Jane to join us in celebrating her life. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in Jane's memory to the following:
Jane Hardy Meredith Scholarship Fund
Tom has established this Walking Horse industry-based scholarship in Jane’s memory in association with The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (TWHBEA) foundation. This Undergraduate Scholarship will provide financial assistance to youths of the TWHBEA who are interested in working on an undergraduate degree in any STEM field.
Your generosity will honor her legacy, provide educational opportunities for aspiring individuals in the industry and ensure that her passion and love of horses continues to inspire for years to come. Please send your donation to the following address noting your donation is for the scholarship in memory of Jane:
Jane Hardy Meredith Scholarship Fund c/o
TWHBEA Foundation
PO Box 28
Lewisburg, TN 37901
For more information, please contact Chairman Walt Chisom - chsmtrl@hotmail.com
Furthermore, friends in TWHBEA have established the Jane Hardy Meredith Memorial Challenge Trophy to be presented for the first time Friday night, August 30 at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville, Tennessee. It will be awarded each year to the Two Year Old Mare World Grand Champion.
Jane will forever be remembered as a loving wife, devoted sister, and treasured friend. Her gentle spirit and unwavering kindness, touched the lives of all who knew her. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and her memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to us all.
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