Edna Beatrice Hardison

May 15, 1939 - July 22, 2014

Edna Beatrice Hardison, age 75, a lifelong resident of Columbia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. A homegoing celebration will be held on Sunday, July 27, 2014 at 3:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday one hour prior to the service from 2:00 - 3:00 PM at the funeral home. Following the homegoing celebration, Edna's remains will be cremated and buried at a later date. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Edna was the oldest child of the late Robert Lee and Mary Margaret Hardison and was born on May 15, 1939, a birth date that she shared with her beautiful great-granddaughter, Zaniyah. She professed hope in Christ at an early age at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, and in 1999 she was baptized at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. Edna attended Maury County Schools and graduated from Carver Smith High School in 1958. She also received her Certified Nursing Assistant certificate from Columbia State Community College. After a lifelong profession as a private caregiver and nursing assistant, Edna retired in 1983. In her pastime, she enjoyed leisurely walks, shopping, and talking on the phone. She was the official family babysitter of all her nieces and nephews and was the resilient support for all 10 of her brothers and sisters. As the Hardison family matriarch, she will always be remembered for her unforgettable laugh, bright smile, and unwavering love. She leaves to cherish her wonderful memories, her three devoted daughters, who were also caregivers: Arlanda, Cylestine, and Phyllis Mozee; a loyal and dedicated granddaughter: Shonta Gabriel; very special great-granddaughter: Zaniyah Carter; ten siblings: JoAnn Lacy, Betty Jean Pierce, Calvin (Betty) Hardison of Nashville, Laurettie Hardison (Gayland McClarn), Freda E. Childress, William (Brenda) Hardison, Frank Hardison, Gertha Mae Sowell, Jeanette Armstrong, and Terry Hardison (Lula Dodson); one aunt: Evelyn Hardison of Redford, Michigan; and a host of relatives and many friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association: 4825 Trousdale Drive, Suite 220, Nashville, TN 37220.