Grace McAlister
Reporter1@riverbendnews.org
On Tuesday, Dec. 13, Branford Town Clerk Donna Hardin was presented with a plaque recognizing her retirement after 17 and a half years of service to the Branford community. Hardin moved to Branford from Haines City, Fla., in 1989.
She was born to Jerry Fears and the late Linda Gail Fears. “I had a great childhood with family,” she stated. Hardin graduated from Auburndale High School and, following her graduation, she attended Lake City Community College. Growing up, Hardin wanted to be a teacher. However, this changed after she was a preschool teacher and a substitute teacher in the public school system.
When asked why she took on the position of Branford’s Town Clerk, Hardin responded, “I really didn’t know what I was getting into, but once I learned it, I loved it.” She was sworn in as Town Clerk in 2005. During her service, her proudest moment was becoming a Certified Municipal Clerk. Though she loved her job, there were hard times. For Hardin, the most challenging part of her job was “dealing with the people that are unlearned.” She states that she knew she was ready to retire around June of 2022, “when the job became too political.”
Hardin looks forward to spending time with her family during her retirement. She has been married for 36 years to Kevin Hardin. Together, they have two sons, Aaron and Joshua, as well as six grandchildren. Her husband is self-employed and “has always worked hard to provide for our family,” Hardin said.
Hardin says her mother was her biggest supporter until she passed away in 2019. “But, I have many friends and family, and they have all been very supportive,” she stated. She mentioned Tonya Byrd, Branford Town Hall’s Assistant Clerk, has always supported her and cheered her on.
“I have enjoyed serving this community and council over the last 17 and a half years. I have met a lot of great friends and will always treasure the friendships I have made. I wish Mrs. Aleshia Terry the very best, and I will always be just a phone call away,” Hardin said. She advises Branford’s future town clerks to remember they cannot please everyone. She adds, “Just do your job the best you can and show love.”