Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

August 16, 2025

CHARLOTTE – Ellen Ansley Hardison of Charlotte, NC died peacefully at home on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at age 89, surrounded by friends and family members during her final days. 

Ellen was born on January 13,1936 in Atlanta to the late Florence “Poncie” Bryan Ansley and William Bonneau Ansley.  Known as “Glory” by her family and close friends, she grew up with two younger brothers, Shepard and Bonneau, and a tight-knit group of first cousins including Florence and Nancy Carter and the Benedict brothers: Charlie, Bryan, Billy, Thomas, and Harry.  She spent several summers at Camp Merrie-Woode in Sapphire, NC where she made many life-long friends.  Upon graduation from Northside High School, she attended Randolph-Macon Women’s College in Lynchburg, Virginia.  After two years, and to cheers from her parents, brothers, and extended family, she transferred to the University of Georgia where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and was a member of the Phi Mu sorority.  Ellen graduated in 1957 and went to work for the Trust Company of Georgia in Atlanta.

Ellen met her future husband, Edward “Ned” Hooper Hardison, when she was a bridesmaid and he a groomsman in Florence Carter and John “Jake” Hanes’ wedding in 1956.  After a long-distance courtship and engagement, Ellen and Ned were married on September 24,1960 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta.  They enjoyed honeymooning in Jamaica where they discovered the local “yellow bird” cocktail.  Upon their return, Ellen and Ned moved to Charlotte to begin their life together at the Selwyn Village apartments near several good friends.  A few years later, they moved to Churchill Road where they raised their children – Hooper, Will, and Lilly.     

Ellen’s priority was spending time with her family.  She was a constant source of support for her children, logging countless hours hauling them to school and music lessons.  She eagerly cheered them on during their sporting events, and she even acted as a referee if the events continued at home.  Ellen also loved to welcome her children’s friends to their home for spend-the-night parties. 

Her sense of humor was always evident.  During I Love Lucy episodes, Ellen often laughed so hard she cried, particularly while watching Lucy struggling to keep up with the chocolates on the conveyor line. 

She loved being with her nine grandchildren – she was at the hospital for each of their births.  Ellen watched their games and school activities, enjoyed their company at the beach and in the mountains, and helped them mature into young adults.  She was deeply committed to her lasting and loving relationships with friends.  Above all, she loved her husband Ned – any time with him was time well spent.

Ellen was a long-time parishioner and active member of Christ Episcopal Church.  She volunteered with the Junior League of Charlotte and was instrumental in the creation of the Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center.  She also enjoyed her time with the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America, the Charlotte Debutante Club, Ladies of the Club Book Club, and the Merri-Mints Garden Club.    

In addition to her parents, Ellen was preceded in death by her brother, Shepard Bryan Ansley of Atlanta.  She is survived by Ned, her husband of almost 65 years, and their three children, Edward Hooper Hardison, Jr.  and his wife, Lucy, William Bonneau Hardison and his wife, Kate, and Lillian Hardison Bossong and her husband, Huntley; her nine grandchildren, Ned, Shep, Hannah, Ansley, Ellen, Beau, Wallace, Fully, and Frank lovingly referred to her as “Big Ellen.”  She is also survived by her younger brother, William Bonneau Ansley, Jr. and his wife, Sharon of Atlanta.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Kim Russell, Ceci Udeh, and Rachel Jones for their love and devotion caring for Ellen.  The family would also like to thank the wonderful team at Via Health Partners for making Ellen’s last few weeks comfortable and peaceful. 

A celebration of Ellen’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at Christ Episcopal Church with a reception to follow in All Saints’ Hall.  The service will be live-streamed at www.christchurchcharlotte.org/funeral-live-broadcast/ for those unable to attend in person.

Memorials in memory of Ellen may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 1412 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28207.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.