News Summary
The Ponte Vedra Beach community is uniting in grief over the loss of three beloved residents: Eileen A. Taylor, Carol Williams, and John D. Hardman. Each individual left a profound impact through their dedication to service, compassion, and leadership. From volunteering in healthcare and education to creating lasting community connections, their legacies will continue to inspire into the future. Memorial services are planned to celebrate their contributions and honor their memories.
Ponte Vedra Beach Community in Mourning
In the beautiful coastal town of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, locals are coming together to honor the memories of three outstanding residents who have recently passed away. The community is grieving the loss of Eileen A. Taylor, Carol Williams, and John D. Hardman, all of whom left a significant impact on the lives of those around them.
Eileen A. Taylor: The Heart of the Community
Eileen, who passed away on March 27, 2025, at the age of 84, was known for her infectious smile and warm personality. Born in Philadelphia, PA, Eileen graduated from the Academy of Notre Dame high school and later ventured into a thriving corporate career after raising her children. In a remarkable turn, she became a founding partner at the McClure Group, a direct marketing and advertising agency that specialized in financial services and garnered numerous accolades.
In 1993, her hard work was recognized when she was named Philadelphia Direct Marketer of the Year. After retiring to Ponte Vedra Beach in 1996, Eileen dedicated her spare time to activities she loved, such as golfing, reading, and volunteering throughout the community. Her passion for bridge rekindled as she played in various leagues, sharing delightful moments with friends.
For two decades, Eileen supported The Player’s Golf Championship and served as director of volunteer services, making a considerable difference in community events. She also volunteered her time at Baptist Beaches Hospital and Gabriel House. A devoted fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies, Eileen frequently reminisced about sunny summers spent in Ocean City and Avalon, NJ. Survived by her three children and grandchildren, her legacy of connection and kindness will surely be missed.
Carol Williams: A Life of Service
Another pillar of the community, Carol Williams, passed away on May 3, 2025, at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy rich in compassion. Born in the Bronx, NY and raised in Syracuse, Carol pursued her passion for nursing and had a remarkable career in healthcare, working at Strong Memorial Hospital and Rochester General Hospital. Her expertise shone brightly, especially during the AIDS epidemic, when she helped found the Community Health Network and provided essential care.
Carol’s dedication spanned even further as she assisted refugees fleeing war from Vietnam and Afghanistan, offering basic needs and housing support. Having a deep commitment to counseling individuals struggling with addiction, her outreach undoubtedly changed lives for the better.
Outside of her professional life, Carol enjoyed spending time with family, sharing campfire stories, and engaging in thrilling activities such as whitewater rafting and sailing. She is lovingly remembered by her husband Frank (Mac), children, and numerous grandchildren. A memorial service is set to take place on June 13, 2025, providing friends and family an opportunity to gather and celebrate her meaningful contributions, with donations requested in her memory to Smile Train.
John D. Hardman: A Legacy in Leadership
John D. Hardman, affectionately known as Jack, also passed away recently on January 8, 2025. Born in Trenton, NJ, he later moved to Jacksonville, FL, where he carved a notable career in banking over five decades, starting at Wachovia National Bank. Jack was revered for his professional ethics and leadership skills that inspired others to strive for excellence. His passion for education led him to serve on the St. Johns County School Board, advocating for essential community initiatives.
Jack held a strong involvement at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and later at Christ Episcopal Church, helping to establish valuable pastoral care ministries. He enjoyed reading, particularly history, and cherished time spent in the Wind River Mountains during summers.
Jack is survived by his loving wife and children, along with three grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on February 20, 2025, at Christ Episcopal Church, allowing friends to come together to remember a man who dedicated his life to service. His family appreciates any contributions made to Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministries in lieu of flowers.
The collective loss of Eileen, Carol, and Jack marks a poignant time for the Ponte Vedra Beach community. Their legacies of service, leadership, and love will continue to inspire those whose lives they touched.
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Additional Resources
- Obituary: Eileen A. Taylor
- Wikipedia: Eileen Taylor
- Obituary: Carol Williams
- Google Search: Carol Williams Obituary
- Obituary: John D. Hardman
- Google Scholar: John D. Hardman
- Obituary: Marguerite Newman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Marguerite Newman
- Obituary Resource
- Google News: Ponte Vedra Beach
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JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
