From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (African American Women Veterans in and from Kentucky)

Wilcox, Elizabeth Hardyster

(born: September 13, 1921  -  died: March 9, 1979) 

Military Branch

Women's Army Corps

Active Duty Entered

August 2, 1944

Active Duty Exit

February 10, 1945

Exit Rank

Private

Notes

Elizabeth Hardyster was born in Bardstown, KY, the daughter of Sarah E. Henson and James W. Hardyster (source: U.S. Social Security Applications and Claims Index in Ancestry). The family was living in Louisville, KY, when they were enumerated in the 1940 U.S. Census. Elizabeth Hardyster was employed as a maid and living in Louisville, KY, when she enlisted in the Army in Norfolk, VA, according to her enlistment record in Ancestry. 

After her military service, Elizabeth Hardyster married Al Wilcox. The couple lived in Mansfield, OH. Elizabeth was an employee and a volunteer at the Mansfield YWCA. In 1971, Elizabeth Wilcox was named Program Director of the Mansfield YWCA, specializing in human relations.

In addition to her work at the YWCA, Elizabeth Wilcox served as project director of the Senior Citizens Outreach Center. She was an active member and held leadership positions in several community organizations, including the Mansfield Mary McCleod Bethune Club, the Mansfield Negro Business and Professional Women's Club, and the Eveerblooming Garden Club. She was also member and leader within the Mansfield American Business Women's Association, and in the Black Women United organization.
 
Elizabeth Wilcox was also a beautician and had owned and managed a beauty shop from her home. She was a graduate of St. Helen's Commercial College in Louisville, KY, and she had taught a grooming course at Mansfield Opportunities Industrialization Center.

Elizabeth Hardyster Wilcox died in Mansfield, OH, in 1979. She is buried in the Mansfield Catholic Cemetery.

Sources: "Obituaries: Mrs. Elizabeth Wilcox," News Journal (Mansfield, OH), 03/09/1979, p.13; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File (Ancestry); see Elizabeth Wilcox at Find A Grave; "To attend convention," News Journal, 03/16/1961, p.15; Vivian Ferguson, "It's News To Me: Several memers..., Mansfield News-Journal, 09/23/1962, p.5; Anne Tiefenbach, "YWCA names program director," News Journal, 03/04/1971, p.13; "Assembly of God to install minister," News Journal, 07/29/1978, p.6.

Kentucky County & Region

Read about Nelson County, Kentucky in Wikipedia.
Read about Jefferson County, Kentucky in Wikipedia.

Kentucky Place (Town or City)

Read about Bardstown, Kentucky in Wikipedia.
Read about Louisville, Kentucky in Wikipedia.

Outside Kentucky Place Name

References

Cited in this Entry

NKAA Source: Ancestry (online)
NKAA Source: News journal (newspaper)
NKAA Source: Mansfield news-journal (newspaper)

Cite This NKAA Entry:

“Wilcox, Elizabeth Hardyster,” Notable Kentucky African Americans Database, accessed March 25, 2023, https://ukscrc001.net/nkaa/items/show/300004361.

Last modified: 2022-01-14 20:37:51