anna hardy sorey
1883-1966
Life Story
Early Life and Family
Anna Hardy Sorey, often referred to as Annie Hardy Sorey in church and newspaper records, was born on June 19, 1883, to Calvin L. Hardy (1854–?) and Seany Williams Hardy (1865–?). She spent her early years in Jasper County, Mississippi, living with her parents.
In the 1900 census, Anna reported her marital status as widowed, though the identity of this early spouse is not known.
Marriage and Household
By 1910, Anna was living in Newton County, Mississippi, where she was married to Isham Evans (1875–?) and working on the farm. Later records and her obituary identify her husband as Tilt Sorey, indicating a subsequent marriage. The obituary confirms that she was married to Tilt Sorey and that she remained closely connected to the St. John community for many years.
Children
Anna Hardy Sorey was the mother of one known daughter:
- Lillie Mae Sorey Chapman (1900–1994)
Through her daughter, Anna became the matriarch of a large extended family tied to Saint John Missionary Baptist Church, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Church Life and Community
Anna Hardy Sorey was a faithful member of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church. Her funeral service was held there, reflecting her deep and longstanding involvement in the congregation.
According to her obituary, those participating in her funeral ceremony included Revs. Otis Ellis and Theron Evans, along with other community leaders. Pallbearers included multiple members of the Walker family, highlighting the strong inter-family ties within the St. John church community.
Later Years
The obituary notes that Anna lived for 37 years in the household of a white family in Newton County, an arrangement common for African American women of her generation who worked in domestic service during the early twentieth century.
Death and Burial
Anna Hardy Sorey passed away on January 13, 1966. She was laid to rest at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church graveyard.
Her obituary lists surviving relatives including her daughter Lillie Mae Chapman, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a sister Mattie Flowers of Montrose, and numerous extended family members.
sidebar: name Clarification Sidebar
Anna Hardy Sorey appears in records as Anna Hardy, Annie Hardy, and Annie Hardy Sorey. These variations reflect common naming practices of the era and should be understood as referring to the same individual.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1900 Federal Census
- 1910 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
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