She was very active in organizing and participating in family reunions over the last 30 years or more of her life. She served as secretary of the Pepper Reunion, held at Lake Tiak O'Khata, Louisville, MS, for a number of years--and at various other places prior to that time. The following is from the program for her funeral service 18 Jan 1994. She had planned the entire service including the following personal history that was part of the printed program: "A Celebration of Life "Mary Elizabeth Pepper Hardwick was born on June 3, 1918 at Vaughan, Mississippi. Her parents, Elizabeth Dixon Pepper and Robert Wyche Pepper were both descended from early settlers of Yazoo County. As the middle child of 12 children, Elizabeth assumed adult responsibilities at a young age. There were good times at Deasonville School, Benton High School, Ellison Church, and relatives around every bend. "In 1939 Elizabeth married Jeff Hardwick, and in 1941 they moved to Honey Island, a remote part of Humphreys County. There they reared their three children, Frances, Glynn, and Jeff, Jr. (Sonny). There are few farmers in Humphreys County today who do not know her from long association with the ASCS office. She later worked for Deposit Guaranty Bank in Louise. "The church was an important part of her life for long time, but the Emmaus Walk, three years ago, was a high point. Elizabeth made the walk a few months before discovering she had cancer. "Many people attest to her witness as she fought the long battle. She continued to take care of others, play games with her grandchildren, and gather people around the piano and sing. "She loved music, fishing, flowers,---a good story---a good laugh. Elizabeth loved life, and on January 16, 1994, God opened the doors of larger life to her. Praise his holy name!"