Pheba Robinson Hardison

Mrs. Pheba Ruth Cottrell Robinson Hardison, age 85, of Columbia, passed away on Monday, July 11, 2016 at NHC Hillview.

Pheba was born on October 3, 1930 in Lawrence County, Tennessee to the late William Alvie Cottrell and Addie Lee Junkins Cottrell. She was educated in a one room school house in St. Joseph, Tennessee and graduated from Loretto High School. She rose from her humble beginnings to serve as the trusted Executive Secretary to Mayor Buddy Morgan as well as the Columbia City Council for many years. She gave thirty-six years of dedicated service to the city of Columbia, serving as the City Manager during the Saturn era and finally retiring as the Assistant City Manager.

Not only was Pheba well known in city business affairs, she was also well known in the Christian faith community in Maury County. She was a member of First Baptist Church, an active member of Women’s Aglow Fellowship and later, attended Berea Church of Christ. She had a love of God that was central to her life with family being a priority. She was a truly giving, loving and carefree person, always, to everyone. She touched many lives with her beautiful and infectious smile. She and her husband William “Bill” Hardison, spent many happy hours fishing and enjoying life.

Mrs. Hardison is survived by her beloved husband: William “Bill” Hardison of Columbia; daughter: Dale R. (Frank) Sagona of Tucson, AZ; granddaughter: Danica (John Walters) Sagona of Tucson, AZ; step-daughters: Kathy Hardison and Joni (Stuart) Lenig both of Columbia; step-grandson: Jay (Andrea) Jewell and Bailey, step great-granddaughter; brothers: Nolland (Beth) Cottrell of Spring Hill, TN and Brad (Sharon) Cottrell of Knoxville, TN; nephew: Jason (Angie) Cottrell of Knoxville and nieces: Suzanne (Jeff) Christensen of Knoxville, Julia Lamb of Nashville and Jane (Randall) Dotson of Columbia. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by first husband and father of her daughter: Willard E. Robinson; brother: Morris Cottrell of Loretto, TN.

Funeral services for Mrs. Hardison will be held on Friday, July 15 at 10:00 a.m. at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia with Rev. Mike Dawson and Carl May officiating. Graveside services will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Loretto, Tennessee at 12 Noon. The family will visit with friends on Thursday, July 14 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. also at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia.

Friends and family will serve as pallbearers. Past and present friends of Women’s Aglow Fellowship will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements and online condolences may be made to the family at www.williamsfh.com .