Velma “Louisa” Hardman was born on March 29, 1937, in Winnsboro, Louisiana, to the late Tobe Hardin Sr. and Mrs. Mary Hardin. In 1967, she met and later married the love of her life, James Hardman Sr. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith, love, and service. They raised their children in the Highland Hills community of Dallas, Texas.

In 1972, Louisa became a born-again believer through her membership at Full Gospel Holy Temple. She went on to faithfully serve for more than 50 years as a devoted member of Evangel Temple Church under the leadership of Bishop Lorenzo Murray and Ann Murray. Throughout her years of service, she served as a missionary, choir member, and prayer band member. Her commitment to God and to His people was evident in the way she lived her life.

Louisa was a true woman of faith who demonstrated her love for God through her life, her family, and the many people she encountered. Her faith was reflected in the way she loved, served, encouraged, and cared for others. She leaves behind a legacy of devotion, compassion, perseverance, and service that will continue through the lives she touched.

Throughout her professional life, Louisa worked at Texas Instruments and later for the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Dallas. She eventually became one of the head seamstresses for Nardis of Dallas and Herman Marcus, prestigious fashion houses that supplied high-end retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Tiche’s, and Sanger-Harris.

In the early 1980s, Louisa and her husband established their own business, J & L Paint & Body. She served not only as a co-owner but also as the business’s lead adjuster. Together, they specialized in custom paint and body repair for vehicles until the business ceased operations in 2017.

From 1987 to 2014, Louisa also served as a school bus driver for several schools and districts throughout Dallas County. During her years of service, she was honored with an award for Driver of the Year, recognizing her dedication and commitment to the students and families she served.

Louisa was preceded in death by her parents, Tobe and Mary Bowie Hardin; her husband, James Hardman Sr.; and nine of her ten siblings: Fannie Brown, Henry B. Hardin, Estelle Montgomery, Mary Montgomery, Leola Credit, Bertha Johnson, Joe Hardin, John Hardin Jr., and Tobe Hardin III. She was also preceded in death by her sons, Larry and Byron Hardin, and her grandchild, Kevin Hardin.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Russell (Lydia), Sylvia, Latressa, Marvin (Elizabeth), Cynthia, Yolanda and James Jr. (Tosha); 30 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great grandchildren; her last living sibling, Leroy Hardin; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Missionary Velma “Louisa” Hardman leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, hard work, and service. Her life was a testimony of perseverance and love, and the impact she made on her family, church, community, and everyone blessed to know her will forever remain in their hearts.