
Portrait of Mavis Hardy. IMB Photo
Mavis Shiver Hardy, an International Mission Board missionary emeritus who shared the gospel in Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong, died July 30, 2024, in Birmingham, Alabama. She was 98.
Mavis was born June 11, 1926, in Frisco City, Alabama, to the late John Jacob Shiver Sr. and Retha Sawyer Shiver. She graduated from Frisco City High School; received the Bachelor of Arts from Judson College, Marion, Alabama; and the Master of Religious Education from Carver School of Missions and Social Work, Louisville, Kentucky.
In 1953, the Foreign Mission Board (now International Mission Board) appointed Mavis missionary to Japan. While serving there as a single woman, Mavis met Bob Hardy, who was stationed in Japan as a member of the U.S. Air Force. Bob and Mavis became engaged and married on June 6, 1957, while Mavis was home on furlough.
In 1958 the Foreign Mission Board (now International Mission Board) reappointed Mavis alongside her husband, Bob, to Japan. They served in various roles, including evangelism, teaching and hospitality. Mavis particularly enjoyed her work with women. They also served in Taiwan and Hong Kong. After 39 years, they retired from overseas service.
Mavis was recently preceded in death by Bob, her husband of 67 years.
She is survived by three daughters, Joy Derzis (Cooley), Cathy Compher (David), and June Hardy Dorsey (David); six grandchildren; and one great grandchild.
A graveside service was held Aug. 3, at Southern Heritage Cemetery in Pelham. A celebration of life service will take place at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church in Birmingham later this fall.
Read an obituary here.