Dorothy Hardison

With gratitude for a life well lived, we celebrate the life and legacy of DOROTHY G. HARDISON, affectionately known to family and friends as “Susie.” Dorothy peacefully departed this life on Sunday, July 19, 2026, following a lengthy illness while residing at Future Care of Lochearn. Dorothy was born on March 16, 1930, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Leroy Smith and Mabel White. She was preceded in death by her four sisters and one brother. Dorothy received her education through the Baltimore City Public School System, attending Booker T. Washington Junior High School and Frederick Douglass High School. On June 23, 1956, Dorothy was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Charles M. Hardison. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to love, commitment, and faith. Together, they built a lifetime of cherished memories rooted in devotion, friendship, and unwavering companionship, sharing seventy years of marriage. A dedicated and hardworking woman, Dorothy was employed by Western Electric for sixteen years until the plant closed in 1985. Throughout her career, she also worked at Brager-Gutman’s, Baum’s Restaurant, and Caplan’s Delicatessen, where she earned the respect of coworkers and customers alike for her strong work ethic, kindness, and pleasant spirit. Dorothy’s spiritual journey began at New Shiloh Baptist Church, where she accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized under the pastorate of the late Dr. James Timothy Boddie. She and Charles remained faithful members of New Shiloh, continuing their worship under the leadership of the late Dr. Harold Carter, Sr., and later Dr. Harold Carter, Jr. She especially looked forward to Women’s Day celebrations and treasured the fellowship and friendships shared among the women of the church. Known for her elegance, grace, and quiet sophistication, Dorothy believed in always presenting herself as a lady. She had a wonderful sense of style and was rarely seen without one of her signature fashionable hats. Dorothy expressed her love through her baking, delighting family and friends with homemade cookies, her famous 7-Up cake, and zucchini bread, especially during the holidays. She also enjoyed shopping and traveling with Charles, with Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands among their favorite destinations. Family gatherings were filled with laughter, love, and fun-filled games of pinochle Dedicated to a healthy lifestyle, Dorothy faithfully exercised for many years, riding her stationary bicycle and walking the track at Woodlawn Middle School with Charles until her health declined. She also treasured the fellowship and lasting friendships she shared as a member of the Les Moitiés Social Club. Above all, Dorothy’s greatest joy was her family. She leaves to cherish her precious memory: her loving and devoted husband and caregiver, Charles M. Hardison; brothers-in-law, Rev. Edward R. McClurkin and Mack Hardison, Jr.; sister-in-law, Cameron Hardison; beloved nieces, Julia V. Hardison and Lanette D. McClurkin; great-nephew, Bishop Jermaine N. Johnson (Michelle); great-great-niece, Zoë I. Johnson; and a host of loving relatives, dear friends, and church family.

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Dorothy Hardison

March 16, 1930 - July 19, 2026