Emma Jean Hardin, 85 of Taylorsville, passed away Thursday, October 2, 2025 at her home with her family by her side.  She was born March 5, 1940 in Marion County.  She formerly worked at Wallitsch Nursery in Louisville.  She was a Baptist by faith.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, William Dennis Downs; one son, William Keith Downs; her parents, Alphonsus Liguori "Gora" Downs, Sr. and Georgia Mae Tharp; four sisters, Mary Alice "Judy" Miles, Gladys Louise Downs, Evelyn Weidemann, and Geneva Clark; one brother, A.L. "Biggie" Downs; her aunt and uncle who raised her, Jude and Vernia Downs.

Survivors include her husband, Ezra Lee Hardin, one son, David Allen Downs of Jeffersonville, IN; four stepchildren, Terry Hardin (Janet) of Louisville, Mike Hardin (Tammy) of New Albany, IN, Barbara Harvey-Hardin of Louisville, and Sharon Maupin of Louisville; six step-grandchildren and 11 step-greatgrandchildren; one sister, Brenda Raley (Joe) of Saint Francis; one brother, Carl Downs (Debbie Robey) of Saint Francis.

Funeral Services for Emma Jean Hardin will be held at 12 PM Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Mattingly Funeral Home, 195 Holy Cross Road, Loretto.  Rev. Joe Vyers will officiate.    Interment will follow in Ryder Cemetery.

The visitation is 4-8 pm Monday at Mattingly Funeral Home.