Life’s Reflections A
reecia Hardin, 51, beloved wife, daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, and mother-in-law, was called to her eternal resting place on August 18, 2026. She entered this world on February 4, 1975, in Memphis, TN, born to Vertel Culp and LaVerne Culp Jackson. Areecia was our first blessing. Areecia attended Ridgeway High School and later graduated from Central High School in 1993. Areecia achieved many awards and used her talents and gifts to serve others. She is survived by her husband, Larenzo Hardin; father, Vertel Culp; mother, LaVerne Jackson; daughter, Dawn Hardin; son, Larenzo Hardin Jr.; sister, Kurshi Hughes; brothers, Vertel Culp III and Vertel Culp IV; sister, Katherine Culp; brother, Jesse Macbeth; granddaughters, Alana, Lauren, and Summer Hardin, and Whitley Martin; and son-in-law, Willie Martin.
Areecia accepted Christ at an early age. She was a faithful member of Holy Temple Ministries Church, and throughout the years, she ministered to others about God’s mercy and grace and the way to eternal life. During this journey, Areecia met her forever soulmate, Larenzo Hardin Sr. They shared an unbreakable bond of love that led Larenzo to ask for Areecia’s hand in marriage. In this union, Dawn and Larenzo Jr. were born. Areecia and Larenzo’s love was inseparable for 35 years—until her death. Areecia loved to be surrounded by family. She was the cook of the family, the notary, the tax preparer, and the family mediator. She enjoyed fishing on the river with her husband and sitting by the bonfire with her uncles in Mississippi so much that she made her own bonfire in her own backyard. She loved to care for her grandchildren; they were, and still are, her world. Memorable Moments and Achievements: Areecia was a blessing to many across many communities as a tax preparer for over 25 years. Cooking was her pastime and passion, where she created flavors that brought joy and smiles to hundreds of people.
Order of Service Saturday, August 29, 2026 1:00 P.M.
Brown Missionary Baptist Church 980 Stateline Road • Memphis, Tennessee 38771 Pastor Bartholomew Orr, Senior Pastor Pastor Ricky Harris, Eulogist
Prelude...................................................................................... “If You Can See Me Now” Video Tribute Processional......................................................................................The Family of Mrs. Areccia Hardin Scripture Readings: The Old Testament...........................................................................................Min. Darren Stone The New Testament.............................................................................Evangelist Patricia Harris Prayer of Comfort........................................................................................................................Minister Musical Selection.................................................................................................................Tiffany White
Reflections
(Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)
Jerome Curry - Bethel Grove Neighborhood Angela Hargrove - Cousin Clifford Bynum, II - Cousin Poem.................................................................................................................................Darline Bynum Written by Areecia
Silent Reading of Obituary..................................................................................................Video Tribute “I’m Ready” by Yolanda Adams
Acknowledgements.............................................................................................................Keidra Bynum Musical Selection.................................................................................................................Renee Cogar “Take Me To The King”
Eulogy.......................................................................................................................Pastor Ricky Harris
Trinity Prayer & Faith Ministries
Recessional
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38–39
WHO STANDS WITH ME My husband, my steady place. In a world that changes without warning, you are the one thing that doesn’t. You don’t always have the perfect words, but somehow, you are always exactly what I need. You carry more than anyone sees, yet you still find a way to hold me gently. You show up— on the ordinary days, in the quiet moments, through the weight of everything life asks of you. And maybe that’s what love really is... not just the big gestures, but the way you stay. The way you choose us— again and again, even when it’s hard, even when no one is watching. You are my calm in the chaos, my strength when I feel weak, my home in a world that never stops moving. And if I had to do it all over again, through every high and every storm— I would still choose you. Always you.
Mom, I love you more than words could ever explain, and I miss you in ways my heart still struggles to understand. Everything you taught me, your strength, your love, your wisdom I promise to carry it with me and make sure it never fades. You are respected beyond words, loved beyond measure, and missed every single day. Though you may not be beside us, your lessons, your love, and your spirit remain. We will make sure your granddaughters know exactly who you were and how deeply their grandmother was loved. Love your Babies Dawn & Delmar
The day that God called your name it broke our hearts in two but heaven needed an angel and the one he picked was you. I wished God could have waited and let you stay with me but Grandma, you left so many memories in my heart and that’s where they’ll always be. I miss you Grandma every day. Keep shining bright in heaven so you can light my way. Whitley, Alana, Lauren, Summer
Areecia, our beloved child—my daughter. We knew from birth, you were special, one of a kind. We nurtured you to be the best in whatever you did. We watched our little girl grow and mature into womanhood, wife, motherhood, and grandmother. We taught you to never follow but be a leader. Stand tall, hold your head up high, look everyone in their eyes, say what you mean and stand your ground. Don’t back up—go forward (focus). Speak with authority. Trust God always and let the light God gave you shine. Be compassionate to others, love, even if it’s not given back. Say “I love you,” and respect others. Areecia baby, you did all this and more. We are so proud of you, and I said it many times. You made life brighter just by being yourself! Your laughter, your spirit, your strength, your kindness, and your dedication is contagious!! Well done, Areecia Nicole, well done!! ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS. We love you more... Mom and Dad LaVerne & Vertel
In Loving Memory of Our Wonderful Sister
(ReeBaby) Our dear sister, it’s been hard to believe you’re gone, but the love you left behind will continue to carry on.
You’re a beautiful blessing, a light that touched our hearts. Though you’ve left this world, from our lives you’ll never part. We’ll miss your smile, your laugh, your voice, and your loving ways. There will be tears, pain, and days we wish you were here. But we’ll hold you close within our hearts and feel you always near. We loved you so much. Rest peacefully, Ree, until we meet again. Your memory will live forever. You were our sister, our love, our friend. You will be truly missed, but you will never be forgotten. Love, Your Sisters & Brothers Kurshi, Katy, Vertel, Jesse, Vertel
The Family Tree A limb has fallen from the family tree. I hear a voice that whispers, “Grieve not for me.” Remember the best times, the laughter, the songs, the good I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you. Keep on smiling, the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest, remembering all... how I was truly blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your lives, don’t sit at the wall. I miss you all dearly, so, keep up your chin. Until that fine day we’re together again.
AREECIA’S POEM On earth I did not sleep But now I’m resting in peace. I am a diamond in snow But I’m walking streets of gold. I had to put my labor and my leisure to the side But I taught all you to continue. Morning sun, evening bells, barking dogs, while I sit around the lake staring back at you. With every step I will be looking over your shoulder, making sure your end is true. I am still with you. I just took a stroll ahead of you to prepare another home for us. It’s what I do.
~ Acknowledgements ~
We, the family of Areecia Culp-Hardin, affectionately known as ReRe and ReBaby, would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for all the prayers, support, and well wishes we have received in this time of grief and transition. The love that has come in the form of calls, messages, food, visits, cards, and gifts is sincerely appreciated. We are so grateful to know that Ree was able to impact so many lives in her short time, and it has truly been an honor for us to share her with all of you. Thank you all for the comfort that you have brought our family, and please continue to hold us in your hearts as we learn to. — Vertel Culp & Family
~ Active Pallbearers ~
Clifford Bynum Vertel Culp, III Barry Wilhite, Jr. Cameron Wilhite Antonio Johnson
Xavier Tinnon
~ Repast ~
Jamie Bynum Willie Martin Joshua Tinnon Michael Hughes, Jr. Roderick Hayes
LaSherrelle Event Center 3674 Ridgeway Rd Memphis Tn 38115
~ Interment ~
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 • 2:00 P.M. West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill-Irene Road Memphis, Tennessee 38125
Distinctive Services by
3320 Millbranch Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38116 901-452-7331 www.harrisonsfuneralhomeinc.com “There’s No Comparison To HARRISON” HARRISON” ~Since 1923~
Tarik A. Yancy 901.336.9706