Beulah Ann (Hardesty) Joy, a long-time resident of Olivet, died July 5, 2009, with loved ones at her bedside, at Calvert Memorial Hospital. At the time of her death, she was residing at The Hermitage St. John's Creek in Solomons.

Beulah was born in Walville, MD, on June 29, 1912, to the late Tilden and Rebekah Hardesty.

She was a devoted Christian and a member of Olivet United Methodist Church. For many years, she sang in the choir, collected money for the preacher's salary, acted as communion steward, and performed many other services for both the church and her community.

In the late 1920's, Beulah moved to Baltimore, MD, where she would live and work for 15 years. She returned to Calvert County in the mid-1940's and worked as a supply clerk at M.M. Davis Shipyard in Rousby Hall until her retirement. She enjoyed reading her Bible, watching Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and Baltimore Orioles baseball, working Find-A Word puzzles, and visits with family and friends. She had an amazing memory and was a great storyteller.

Beulah was preceded in death by her beloved husband William, sisters Elizabeth, Susie, Marion, Lillian and Mary, brothers Norris, William, Thomas and Mervin, a stepdaughter and two stepsisters.

She is survived by three stepchildren, more than 200 nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews, and many dear friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2009, at Olivet United Methodist Church, 13570 Olivet Road, Lusby, MD 20657. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Olivet United Methodist Church or Calvert Hospice, 238 Merrimac Court, P.O. Box 838, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.

Arrangements provided by Rausch Funeral Home.