Elaine Hardin Vinyard

Elaine Hardin Vinyard
Elaine Hardin Vinyard

Elaine Hardin Vinyard, 74, of Amarillo, TX passed away October 14, 2020.

On Wednesday, October 14, 2020, Elaine Hardin Vinyard left this world to reunite with her best friend and husband, Philip Durward Vinyard.

Services will be announced at a later date.

Elaine was born August 16, 1946 in Waco, Texas to Guy Hardin and Helen Leflar and raised in Shamrock, Texas. She was soft and tender and always knew the right things to say, but her quick wit and laughter were just as memorable and could light up any room.

Elaine was the kind of person anyone would be blessed to know. Known to her grandkids as “Lainey,” she loved her family above all else and there was nothing she wouldn’t do to help out. Elaine was, and still is, loved by so many, both family and extended family, and those who were graced by her friendship.

Elaine married Philip Vinyard, also of Shamrock, on September 7, 1968. The two were married forty-eight years until his passing in 2017, though her love and adoration of him never died.

Elaine spent many of her years in the Amarillo Independent School District. She began teaching at Bonham Jr. High, then at Horace Mann Jr. High before moving to Palo Duro High School as an assistant principal. Her final years with AISD were spent as the principal at Fannin Middle School. Elaine’s love of education was shown to all who worked with and for her, as well as those thousands of students whose life she touched.

Elaine leaves behind those whom she loved the most: her daughter, Jennifer Elaine Vinyard of Lewiston, Idaho; Philip Durward (P.J.) Vinyard Jr. and wife Dayna of Amarillo; and her six grandchildren: Philip III, Kaitlyn, Meagan, Ashlyn, Sydney, and Flick. Elaine will also be deeply missed by her siblings, Suzanne Pritchard, Stephen Hardin and wife Ellen, Carolyn Hardin-Levine and husband Peter, and Alicia Hamilton and husband Brian. Elaine was met at the pearly gates by the love of her life, Philip Vinyard, as well as her parents: Guy Hardin and Helen Leflar.

33 Replies to “Elaine Hardin Vinyard”

  1. Elaine was a very sweet upper classman at SHS. I always like her as a sweet person. So sorry for your loss

  2. The SHS class of 64 will never be the same without Elaine.
    From childhood to older adulthood she remained the same sweet and caring person. She is a friend I will never forget, and someone I look forward to seeing again when it is my turn to enter the Pearly gates.

  3. Condolences to Elaine’s family. She was an elegant lady, even when I came to play with Suzie as a child. Loved your family in Shamrock. Love to all left behind.

  4. I will always appreciate the friendship and professionalism that Ms. Vinyard displayed when I worked at Fannin. She set a high example to all who worked with her. She always had a spark in her eyes when she spoke about her kids and husband. She will be remembered and missed. Condolences to her family.

  5. Though I have never met her, she must have truly been wonderful to have had such a great son. My condolences on your loss.

  6. I truly loved Ms. Vineyard, she and Mr. Avery took such good care of me together. Always looking for me and I truly felt her love. Rest in peace Ms. Vineyard!

  7. I worked with Elaine at Fannin,she was a fantastic principal and truly cared for her employees. She made a point of checking on you to see how things were going with you. She will be truly missed by all that knew her. My prayers are with her family. Cindy Beadle

  8. We worked together at HM, she was a joy to work with. God’s continued blessings to you and your families.

  9. My condolences to Elaine’s family. She was wonderful to work for. Elaine’s caring, compassionate, and fair nature represented the best in educational leadership. Many will cherish her memory.

  10. My condolences to the family of my friend and colleague. Elaine was a delightful person who always wanted the best for others. Rest In Peace.

  11. I was fortunate to work with Elaine at PD. She was a wonderful assistant principal …an advocate for students and teachers. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

  12. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Vinyard’s passing. She was always such a nice and caring teacher to both me and others in our years at Horace Mann Jr High and Palo Duro High. When I heard of her passing this week after not seeing her for 40 years, it hit me hard and I wept. I can only imagine how great of mother and grand mother she was.

  13. Elaine was a sweet, caring person who had a heart for education. She influenced the lives of so many students. She will be missed.

  14. Elaine was an sweet, caring person who had a heart for education. She influenced the lives of so many students. She will be missed.

  15. One of my all time favorite teachers. Physical science in the 8th grade at Horace Mann. Prayers to the family.

  16. So sorry to hear this and She will be missed by many. Always enjoyed visiting with Elaine at family meals along time ago.

  17. I knew Elaine for 40 years, she was a great friend. She will be missed dearly. My prayers for her family.
    Jodi Glazner.

  18. I will miss my neighbor my classmate and my friend. I enjoyed our phone calls and look forward to seeing you again someday. Noel

  19. Jill and I are so sorry to hear of “Mrs Vinyard” passing. Hands down my all time favorite teacher. I remember in the 8th grade at Horace Mann she went on maternity leave and I missed her so badly!
    She really did make a difference in people’s lives.
    Phillip and Jill Fetzer

  20. My favorite teacher at Horace Mann. I always wanted to be like her. She was so sweet and kind to everyone.
    I’m sorry for your loss. I know you will miss her.

  21. I was privlivaged to have her at Horace Mann. She was such a beautiful woman. I have y’all in my prayers for peace and comfort during this time. I am so proud I can call her a very positive influence in my life.

  22. Elaine was the first person to tell me I’d be a good principal. And now I am! She taught me the meaning of “behoove,” to consider if a problem was a problem or was MY problem, and was my first Amarillo Mom as a new teacher at Fannin. Love her deeply and have been forever impacted by her. May good memories bring you all comfort and peace.

  23. Loved Elaine so much. She was such a beautiful and caring woman. A wonderful wife, mother and grandmother to her family. Will miss her greatly. Much love to all her family

  24. I am at a loss for words. She was a dear friend. I will miss her even though we had not seen each other for years.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *