Barbara J. “Dottie” Chavis, 87, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away at home peacefully, surrounded by family, Sunday, July 8, 2018.

She was born August 28, 1930 in Danville, IL to Frank and Oma (Marshall) Hardiman. She was a lifetime resident of Princeton until relocating to Fort Wayne.

Dottie was employed with Douglas and Irene McDonald for 20 years. She was employed with Mid-States Rubber Plant, retiring after 20 years. She was a member of Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church in Princeton. She enjoyed singing in the choir, coaching Hitch Packers women’s softball team, and playing Bingo. Her greatest love was her family. She loved entertaining her family and friends. She fulfilled her dream of going to Las Vegas. One of the happiest days of her life was receiving an autographed picture of President Barack Obama family.

She is survived by one son, Elbert Chavis of Princeton; four daughters, Sondra (Hardiman) Segura of Fort Wayne, Delberta Hardiman, Janet (Chavis) Dougan and Melodie Chavis all of Princeton; step-sons Delvert (Celia) Kearns Chavis of Brooklyn, NY and Shelby Roberts of Kalamazoo, MI; special daughter, Yolanda (Jones) Tolbert of Fort Wayne; brother, Fredrick (Vickie) Hardiman of Iowa; grandchildren; great grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; also, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Delbert Chavis; son, Kenneth “Kenny” Hardiman; daughter, Patty Creech; grandson, Tommy Jones; four brothers, Howard, Allen, Roderick and Teddy; three sisters, Wanda, Mary Helen and Ella Mae.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 14, 2018 at Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton, with Rev. Floyd Edwards officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Colvin’s.