Bingham Hardie Carlson

In loving memory of Bingham Hardie Carlson

Bingham Hardie Carlson quietly slipped into the waiting arms and full embrace of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 26, 2024.

Bingham was born in Florence, Alabama, on July 3, 1953, to Mary Virginia (Bingham) and Samuel Uriah Hardie Jr.

Bingham's life exemplified those words found in Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." Her days on earth were filled with service to others, from shuttling friends to doctor visits and grocery shopping for the homebound, to providing comfort and prayer to those in their greatest time of need. Among her many gifts was that of hospitality. She was a thoughtful, creative hostess who accentuated every level of occasion with beauty and grace.

Bingham leaves behind her loving and devoted husband James "Jim" B. Carlson, who recalls the first moment Bingham came into his life: "Just one look, that's all it took, in 1974 when I saw Bingham for the first time. And five long-distance dates later, I married her 49 years ago on August 30, 1975. I thought she was perfect then. But because of her tenacious in-depth study of God's Word and consistent prayer life, she became even better-a true reflection of her Lord and Savior. You could see Him in her servant-oriented heart and love for anyone, no matter who they were or where they came from. What a gift I received from God when we married in 1975 and then to have witnessed her life demonstrated before me and so many others for these 49 years. We grieve deeply for our great loss but take great joy in having seen her finish the race well. Now, she is in good hands."

Bingham is also survived by her beloved and only son James "Hardie" Carlson and his wife Rossi (Morris) Carlson; three grandchildren: Ingrid, Frankie, and Jasper, who affectionally knew her as "B"; and brother Reverend Samuel "Sam" U. Hardie III and his wife Virginia (Cooper). Bingham also leaves behind five nieces, a nephew, five great nieces, two great nephews, and numerous other family members and friends who she loved and treasured dearly.

A service celebrating Bingham's life will be held at Briarwood Presbyterian Church on Friday, May 31, at 2:00 p.m. The service will also be available via livestream at here and Briarwood's Facebook page. Bingham's departure comes as a great shock and deep wound felt by her countless family, friends, and community who loved her deeply. The family appreciates prayer and support during this difficult time and kindly asks that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Focus on the Family (here) in Bingham's memory.