Dorothy Mae (Houston) Hardison passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord December 29,
2023 in Pulaski, Tennessee at the age of 89. She was the oldest daughter of the late William
Albert Houston and Emma Lee Houston.
She joins her beloved husband Claude Elwood
Hardison Sr. and son Claude Elwood Hardison Jr. in Heaven. Dorothy was also proceeded in
death by in-laws, Leon and Sarah Hardison, brothers: David Alexander Houston Sr., Butley
Houston, William Albert Houston Jr. sisters: Carrie Lee Houston and Laura Louise Allen.
Dorothy Mae Houston was born April 7, 1934 in Pulaski, Tennessee. Her warm smile made you
feel good. She was joyful and loving. Dorothy attended Bridgeforth High School and began her
employment at Genesco. Later, she was employed by the Harwell family. This employment
evolved into a close relationship that continued to her passing. She enjoyed traveling with the
family, gardening, socializing with friends and family, watching television, caring for her cats
and watching hummingbirds from her window.
Dorothy Mae Houston married Claude Elwood Hardison Sr. in 1953. They were married for
forty-three years. To this union, four children were born: two sons and two daughters. Dorothy
was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt. She enjoyed being
surrounded by her family. One of Dorothy’s greatest pleasures was celebrating her birthday with
her sons, “Bubba” Claude (deceased) and Steve. After Dorothy became ill, her daughters Judy
and Teresa lovingly provided excellent care for her. Despite her illness, she continued
supporting and encouraging her loved ones. She was a beacon of love and a source of joy for all.
Dorothy accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and united with Beulah Baptist Church under the
leadership of Reverend J. W. Lee. Later, she joined Taylor Street Church of Christ. She was an
active member and served faithfully until illness prevented her from attending. Dorothy leaves a
rich legacy of love and dedication.
Family and friends will forever keep Dorothy in their hearts. She leaves to cherish her memories
daughters: Judy Marie (Jeffery) Driver and Tereta/Teresa Augusta Hardison (Pulaski, TN); son
Steve LaVelle (Jackie) Hardison (Chicago, IL); daughter-in-law Lillian Hardison (Chicago, IL);
grandsons Ernest Lee (Shambria) Ballentine (Pulaski, TN), Cory Terrell (Latannia) Ballentine
(Vicenza, Italy), Tory Terrell Hardison (Pulaski, TN), Ryan Flippen, (Chicago, IL);
granddaughters Kimyada Chandre (Dale) Nelson, Chasity Capri Hardison, Tanisha Lashae
Hardison all from Pulaski, TN, Bria Crawford (Chicago, IL); brothers Burley (Helen) Houston
(Pontiac, MI), Buford (Yvette) Houston (Chicago, IL), Martha Marie (Gerald) Martin
(Brentwood, TN), Sandra Faye (Johnny) Allen (Inkster, MI) also great grandchildren, nieces,
nephews, and a host of cousins and friends.
Visitation with family January 6th, 2024 at 11: 00pm-12:00pm at Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory.
Funeral Service January 6th, 2024 at 12:00 noon in the chapel of Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory
– interment to immediately follow
Maplewood Cemetery
Bro. Marcus Houston Eulogist
Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements for Dorothy Mae Hardison.
