1948
Helen
2020
Helen Alice Hardison
February 17, 1948 — March 23, 2020
Helen Alice Hardison (Dolly) was born on February 17, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan to the parents of Nazreaine Lee and Frank West, both who have proceeded her in death.
She attended Detroit Public Schools, Miller Elementary and Junior High K-9th grade and Northeastern High School for her 10th-11th grade year. She received her G.E.D. Certificate and attended Wayne County Community College where she earned her Associates Degree.
As a young child, Helen was thought to be as cute as a doll with green eyes and was therefore affectionally called “Dolly” by family and friends. In her youth, Dolly was also known as “the mermaid” due to her exceptional swimming skills and love for the water. She participated on her high school drill team, where she earned the name “Annie Oakley”, because of her ability to handle her rifle on the team. On weekends, she would spend most of her Saturdays dancing and roller skating at The Graystone Ballroom with her sister, Sandra and friends. Dolly was also very fond of dogs and had one for most of her life starting at age nine. She considered all her pets as her “babies”.
She married Larry James Hardison, who proceeded her in death, in 1964. Dolly and Larry were married from 1964 until Larry’s death in 1989. To this union 2 children were born, her son Larry, who proceeded her in death and her daughter, Tonette.
During the early years of her marriage, Dolly chose to be a homemaker and dedicated her time to raising her children. In 1982 she decided to join the workforce and became an Activity Director for Wesley Home Adult Foster Care. She later joined the staff of David Ellis Academy from 2001-2013, where she served faithfully as the Librarian of the school’s media center. She resigned from her duties with David Ellis Academy when her health challenges prevented her from working.
Dolly was known for her incredible memory, good nature, humor and feisty attitude. She enjoyed coloring and teaching others how to color. She loved reading and tried to instill that love of reading in others, especially her students. She would use her leisure time listening to music and watching classic movies and her favorite holiday was Christmas. She also enjoyed her annual trips to Frankenmuth with her daughter, Tonette. As she accepted Christ into her life at an earlier age, she committed herself to her walk with God and instilled His teachings into her children.
She departed this life on Monday, March 23, 2020 at Beaumont Hospital in Farmington, Michigan.
Dolly leaves to cherish her memory; her daughter, Tonette; sisters; Sharon Robbins and Sandra Webster; a nephew, Darrell Robbins; an aunt, Diane Booker; her best friend, Jennifer Brown; her dog-baby, Reana, and a host of family members and friends.
IN REMEMBERANCE OF DOLLY
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic restrictions on public gatherings, a memorial service will be held at a future date and will be announced by the family.
She attended Detroit Public Schools, Miller Elementary and Junior High K-9th grade and Northeastern High School for her 10th-11th grade year. She received her G.E.D. Certificate and attended Wayne County Community College where she earned her Associates Degree.
As a young child, Helen was thought to be as cute as a doll with green eyes and was therefore affectionally called “Dolly” by family and friends. In her youth, Dolly was also known as “the mermaid” due to her exceptional swimming skills and love for the water. She participated on her high school drill team, where she earned the name “Annie Oakley”, because of her ability to handle her rifle on the team. On weekends, she would spend most of her Saturdays dancing and roller skating at The Graystone Ballroom with her sister, Sandra and friends. Dolly was also very fond of dogs and had one for most of her life starting at age nine. She considered all her pets as her “babies”.
She married Larry James Hardison, who proceeded her in death, in 1964. Dolly and Larry were married from 1964 until Larry’s death in 1989. To this union 2 children were born, her son Larry, who proceeded her in death and her daughter, Tonette.
During the early years of her marriage, Dolly chose to be a homemaker and dedicated her time to raising her children. In 1982 she decided to join the workforce and became an Activity Director for Wesley Home Adult Foster Care. She later joined the staff of David Ellis Academy from 2001-2013, where she served faithfully as the Librarian of the school’s media center. She resigned from her duties with David Ellis Academy when her health challenges prevented her from working.
Dolly was known for her incredible memory, good nature, humor and feisty attitude. She enjoyed coloring and teaching others how to color. She loved reading and tried to instill that love of reading in others, especially her students. She would use her leisure time listening to music and watching classic movies and her favorite holiday was Christmas. She also enjoyed her annual trips to Frankenmuth with her daughter, Tonette. As she accepted Christ into her life at an earlier age, she committed herself to her walk with God and instilled His teachings into her children.
She departed this life on Monday, March 23, 2020 at Beaumont Hospital in Farmington, Michigan.
Dolly leaves to cherish her memory; her daughter, Tonette; sisters; Sharon Robbins and Sandra Webster; a nephew, Darrell Robbins; an aunt, Diane Booker; her best friend, Jennifer Brown; her dog-baby, Reana, and a host of family members and friends.
IN REMEMBERANCE OF DOLLY
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic restrictions on public gatherings, a memorial service will be held at a future date and will be announced by the family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Helen Alice Hardison, please visit our flower store.
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