Dorris Jean Fleming Overman, 88, of Salisbury, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 1, 2026, after 17 years of residence in nursing homes, of which the last 14 years were at Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation of Salisbury, NC.

Dorris was born September 30, 1937, in Rowan County, North Carolina to the late Earl Stanley Fleming and the late Vera Mabel Shoemaker Fleming.

She was also preceded in death by husband, James Carlton Overman; son, Joel Michael Hardison; and siblings, Jancie F. Broadway, Earl Stanley "Flip" Fleming Jr., Darlene F. Motley, Sandra F. Fink, and Mary Juarell Fleming.

Survivors include her children, John Wayne Hardison (Arlene), Patricia Polk, and Jeffrey Hardison (Teresa), daughter-in-law, Becky Hardison; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. Also, her very special aunt, Eva Stewart.

At the tender age of 8, and after the death of their mother, Dorris, Sandra, and Juarell were placed in the Church of God Children’s Home in Concord. It was there that she began to sing for the Lord in a girl’s trio. At 14, she eloped with John M. Hardison, 17, who was also in the orphanage, and they were married. They returned to help at the orphanage for 2-3 years, as the superintendent. C.H. Rochester and his wife Velma had become very dear to them, so much that they called them Dad and Mom Rochester.

Some of our fondest memories are of Momma, Sandra, and Juarell singing at churches. Through the years, she continued to sing in her church and other churches, upon request, as well as nursing homes and various senior events.

Dorris was a very loving and hard-working mother of 3 sons and a daughter. She worked the latter half of her career at Fiber Industries (Celanese), where she retired as a lab tech. She cherished time with family and friends, and many pets were recipients of her love for animals, including two skunks. She also enjoyed camping in their RV and making crafts.

The family will receive friends for a Celebration of Life from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Piedmont Baptist Church in the Family Life Center, 925 Enochville Avenue, China Grove, NC. The graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Rowan Memorial Park Cemetery, 4125 Franklin Community Center Road, Salisbury, NC. Pastor Mike Edwards will officiate, and the burial will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that memorials be made to: Church of God Children’s Home of NC, 3485 Weatherby Circle, Concord, NC 28027 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.