Visitation: Friday, August 7, 2026
Visitation Time: 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Visitation Location: Postell’s Mortuary Chapel
811 North Powers Drive
Orlando, Florida
Service Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
Service Time: 11:00 AM
Service Location: Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church
4077 Prince Hall Boulevard
Orlando, Florida
Obituary:
Mother Alferdoll Delores Rumlin Hardeman, 93, affectionately known as “Doll,” departed this life on Sunday, July 26, 2026. Mother Hardeman was born on October 24, 1932, in Palmetto, Florida, to Louis and Willie B. Rumlin. She was the only child of her parents, and her mother lovingly gave her the nickname “Doll,” a name that remained dear to family and friends throughout her life.
She graduated from the Great Jones High School as a member of the Class of 1950, where she proudly served as a majorette. She later married John “J.D.” Hardeman, and together they were blessed with twin sons, Alonzo and Alphonzo Hardeman. Mother Hardeman often said, “I was pregnant one time, but God gave me two at one time.” She was immensely proud of her sons and raised them in the church, where they sang in the choir and played the drums. In time, both became deacons, and later, the Lord called Alphonzo into pastoral ministry as the founder and pastor of Miracle Tabernacle Full Gospel Church. His brother, Alonzo, faithfully served alongside him as one of his deacons. She knew her sons loved her deeply. Alonzo called his mother every day and remained faithfully by her side until the very end.
Mother Hardeman began her professional career as a pastry baker while living in the Florida Panhandle. Upon returning to Orlando, she became an employee of Orange County Public Schools, working at Edgewater High School as a cafeteria manager before transitioning to her beloved alma mater, Jones High School, where she faithfully served as Cafeteria Manager for ten years. She later worked as a manager for Kentucky Fried Chicken for two years before making history as the first Black pharmacy technician at the Orange County Medical Clinic, where she retired. Retirement, however, did not slow her down. Because of her love for people and travel, she worked part-time for Postell’s Mortuary for approximately five years.
Mother Hardeman had a passion for traveling and delighted in experiencing God’s beautiful creation throughout the world. Her travels took her to California, Texas, Las Vegas, Hawaii (twice), London, the Bahamas, Atlanta, and New Orleans, as well as on numerous cruises to destinations around the globe. She also enjoyed crafting and crocheting, often sharing her creativity and talents with those she loved.
For twenty years, she served as a foster mother, welcoming approximately forty children into her home. Whether their stay was brief or extended, she ensured that every child learned about the love of Jesus Christ. Her ministry extended far beyond the walls of the church and into the lives of everyone she encountered.
Mother Hardeman faithfully served the Lord throughout her life. She first worshipped under Bishop K.P. Hardeman at Church of God Washington Park, where she faithfully served as the organist for Choir No. 1. She was later one of the founding members of Miracle Tabernacle Non-Denominational Church, where her late son, Bishop Alphonzo Hardeman, served as pastor. Miracle Tabernacle began in her own residence with just nine members. For many years, she faithfully served as the church organist, Church Mother, choir member, prayer warrior, counselor, and mentor. Her dedication to Miracle Tabernacle was unwavering and steadfast. One of the ministries she cherished most was visiting the sick and praying for their healing.
Mother Hardeman loved her family dearly. One of her favorite sayings was, “LOVE IS WHAT IT DOES,” and she lived those words daily. She loved all of her grandchildren and believed each of them should use their gifts to serve the Lord. Nothing brought her greater joy than seeing them actively involved in ministry.
David was affectionately known as her “Champ.” Leslie and Felicia blessed others through song. Leslie also ministered through praise dance, which filled Grandma Doll’s heart with joy each time she performed. Felicia was her violinist, and Grandma Doll took great pride whenever any of her grandchildren shared their musical talents.
She lovingly referred to Lisa as her own “Kirk Franklin,” proudly proclaiming that she could direct a choir—though Grandma Doll would jokingly add, “she just couldn’t sing.” Keyatta was her praying granddaughter, who prayed often.
Grandma Doll’s ministry also included founding the mime ministry, T.O.D.O. for Christ, which featured her beloved great-grandsons, Tehron Oliver and Darrien Oliver. She faithfully served as its choreographer, director, and costume designer, pouring her creativity and love into every performance. She also delighted in the many delicious meals prepared by the family’s chef, Marquita, whose cooking always brought her great joy.
She faithfully prayed for each of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren by name, keeping them covered by the blood of Jesus. One of her heartfelt prayers was: “Lord, protect my children and grandchildren until they come to their senses and choose to serve You. I do not want any of my children to end up in hell.”
She leaves to cherish her precious memories her devoted son, Alonzo (Elizabeth) Hardeman; her grandchildren, Lisa Hardeman, Leslie Hardeman, Keyatta Pearson, Felicia (Darnell) Purcell, Alicia Haynes, and Jeremy David Hardeman; her great-grandchildren, including Tehron Oliver, Darrien Oliver, and Marquita (Tyrone) Thomas, Auntrion Hardeman, Tyler McCullen, Pyrnce Hardeman, Charles Hardeman, Kaleb Priester, Kyler Priester, Skylar McGriff, Bishop Hardeman-Jordan, Mia Ingram, RaNiyah Moffitt, Nova Purcell, Tessa Cooper, Villain Jean Francois, Ericka Haynes; Great, Great grands; Isaiah Hardeman, I’Anna Pierre, Jay’quan Pierre, Nala Hardeman, Joseph Thomas; Great, Great, Great Ava Hardeman.
In addition along with her closest cousin, Lillie R. Williams, Mother Hardeman was blessed with many cherished relationships that enriched her life. She lovingly embraced her two adopted daughters, Dr. Carolyn Bailey and Pastor Juanita Verreen, and held a special place in her heart for her adopted granddaughter, Latrice Reed. She treasured the enduring friendships of Erma Green, Maple Pickens, and Julia Mae Hunt, whose love and companionship brought her much joy over the years. She was also blessed with wonderful neighbors, Andrea “Fran” Wilkins and Sharaz Wilkins, whose kindness meant so much to her. A special thank you is extended to Sharon Jenkins, who faithfully showed her love through homemade banana bread and countless thoughtful gestures, and to Sonia Buopane, whose prayers, encouragement, and unwavering expressions of love brought comfort and joy to Mother Hardeman throughout the years.
Mother Alferdoll Delores Rumlin Hardeman’s greatest legacy is not found in her accomplishments but in the countless lives she touched through love, service, and unwavering faith. She loved deeply, prayed fervently, and gave generously. She leaves behind a rich spiritual inheritance and a reminder to all who knew her that “LOVE IS WHAT IT DOES.”
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026 from 4-6PM at the mortuary. A service of celebration will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, 10:00 AM at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, 4077 Prince Hall Boulevard, Orlando with Bishop Thomas S. Lee Jr., officiating. Interment: Washington Park Cemetery, Orlando.
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