Louise Harbin, operated dry-cleaning business, did alterations
Aug. 28, 1932—Nov. 3, 2009
Louise “Lois” Harbin, who operated a dry-cleaning business, died of pancreatic cancer last Tuesday in her Buffalo home. She was 77.
Born Louise Wofford in Cascoe, Ark., she grew up in Michigan and Ohio. She was a graduate of Philadelphia School of Tailoring and worked in Philadelphia’s clothing industry until moving to Buffalo in 1956.
Mrs. Harbin worked for M. Wile&Co. for several years before opening All Quality Cleaners on Fillmore Avenue in 1971. She also provided alterations and tailoring services for several other Buffalo cleaners and had operated another dry-cleaning business on Niagara Street before retiring in 1991.
After retirement, she was a seasonal employee of Kleinhans Co., where she worked in the alterations department. She also continued to provide tailoring and alterations from home until her health failed.
Mrs. Harbin was a member of the Black Women Unlimited Club and was active in political campaigns.
She loved spectator sports, reading, music and travel.
Survivors include four brothers, Calvin, Ronald and Earl Wofford and Samad Muhammad, and her longtime companion, Chester Flakes Jr.
A memorial service will be at noon Friday in Greater Faith Bible Tabernacle, 391 Edison Ave.
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