Daisy Celestine Hardison

Our dear Mother, Daisy Celestine Below Hardison, fondly referred to as “Nootise”, was born in Louisiana,
Natchitoches Parish on the Cane River, September 2, 1927, to the union of Louis Below and Mary LaCour Below.
Mother Hardison was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She was a very sweet, kind, gentle and
non- judgmental type of individual.

This courageous, beautiful woman peacefully transitioned from her earthly home to her eternal home on her favorite
holiday, the day of her savior’s birthday, Christmas day, December 25, 2023. She was surrounded by her loving
children at her bedside. Mother Hardison loved everyone and always greeted those she met with the most warm and
beautiful “smile.”

Preparation for eternal life began early in her childhood with a conversion to Catholicism. Under the leadership of
Monsignor Anthony Piegay, she began her sacred journey with the taking of her first communion and confirmation at
the Minor Basilica of Immaculate Conception Church in Natchitoches, LA.

A devout Catholic, she later worshiped at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church for her entire adult life. She also
attended high Mass every Sunday, believed in praying daily and especially loved the scripture-based rosary.
She was a devoted wife and exceptional mother to her fourteen children whom she so dearly loved. She was married
to Columbus Hardison, Jr. in 1943 and remained married until his death.

She was an amazing housewife and worked odd jobs to always make ends meet. Despite the many challenges in their
lives, the couple worked together to build a nurturing home environment for their children and grandchildren.
She was a skilled quilter, presenting unique designs annually as gifts to her children and friends. She was also an avid
gardener who loved to work in the soil, growing beautiful plants and flowers for the entire community to behold.
This wonderful, phenomenal mother was not formally educated but was very knowledgeable of the world and
understood the power of a quality education. Her mission in life was to ensure that all her children receive an
education.

She is preceded in death by her husband Columbus Hardison, parents: Louis Below and Mary LaCour Below, four
children: Annie Pearl Hardison, Lester Hardison, Mary Ann Hardison, and Peter Hardison, five siblings: Cecile
Hardison, Louis Below Jr., Willie Mae Hardison, John Below Sr., and Doris Payne.

Mother Hardison’s memory and ongoing legacy continue to live on in the hearts, minds, and spirits of those whom she
loved so dearly. She leaves to cherish and celebrate her memory a total of ten children: Penzy Demmer (Dewitt),
Lucille Mauge (Errol), James Hardison (Christina), Rosa Campbell (Robert), Betty Hardison, Nelda Smith, Allen
Hardison (Vanester), Caroline Hardison, Tommie Hardison, and Gladys Hardison.
Her Grandchildren include Ronnie, Courtney, Keisha, Natasha, Christian and Jehrico, Melissa, Brandon, Vallen,
Voitrice and Ricko. In laws include Robert Charles Hardison and Luella Below and a host of nieces, nephews,
cousins, other relatives and close friends.

The void left by Mother Hardison’s passing is immeasurable, and her memory will be forever etched in the hearts of
those who were fortunate to share her journey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Natchitoches with Father John O'Brien serving as celebrant.  Burial will follow at Laurence Serenity Sanctum Cemetery in Natchitoches, LA under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends on January 2, 2024 from 9 am until the time of Mass at St. Anthony Catholic Church.