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Jill Natalie Hardegree, 54, of LaGrange, Georgia, passed away on Feb. 7, 2022.

Jill was born in Atlanta, Georgia, to Jack and Charlsie Hardegree on Friday, Oct. 13, 1967.

Jill’s height and athletic talents eclipsed that of the rest of her family as she excelled as a star basketball player at Arlington High School.

She graduated from LaGrange College and served her community as a probation officer for 24 years until her retirement from the State of Georgia in 2020.

Jill was preceded in death by her father, Jack, and is survived by her mother, Charlsie; sisters Jackie and Charleen (Ken); nieces Jennifer and Shelley (Brandon); nephews Judd (Carrie) and Matt (Jessica); and their children, who she adored, Charleigh Kate, Tripp, Griffin (G-dog), Sadie and Cade; her dog Gemma, as well as many extended family members and friends who were like family to her.

Jill will be greatly missed; but we know she’s eating peanuts in Coca-Cola and silver dollar pancakes with her daddy, our Paw Paw, who has been waiting for a pick-up basketball game with her for 40 years.

“Fun” Jill was a kid at heart and had quite a sense of humor. She always found a way to show her appreciation for others through baking her famous fun Jill cookies, and cheese straws for family, colleagues or neighbors. She cared deeply for her friends in LaGrange and would often dog, house, or baby-sit or help out in any way she could.

Jill’s hair was as red as her neck; she was proud of her southern heritage. She would go with the flow and tolerate endless creative endeavors from her family. Jill often provided the color commentary at events, saying, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, come sit by me.” Her puppy, Gemma, provided lots of comfort, love, and cuddles since August. She and Gemma were inseparable and a hit at the Callaway Gardens light festival this past year for their matching outfits.

A graveside service at Elim Baptist Church for family and friends will be Saturday, March 12 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials and gifts in memory of Jill be made to Elim Baptist Church (elimbaptistchurch.weebly.com) in Newnan, Georgia.

The family would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the team of doctors and nurses who cared for Jill at Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange.

Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming, Georgia in charge of arrangements.