Deaconess Mae W. Harden was born in Huntsville, Alabama to the union of Erias “Bose” and Willie Beatrice (Glover) Daniel on November 1, 1921.
Mae attended the public school system in Huntsville, Alabama. At an early age Mae accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior.
Mae united in Holy Matrimony to Vernon Harden in 1947 this union was blessed with a beautiful daughter Rena. Her husband preceded her in death in 1992.
Mae spent the greatest part of her life being truly dedicated to the Christian life helping others. She assisted the sick over long periods of time often nurturing them through the death process. The number of youths she assisted through college has been immeasurable. The Harden’s home was a place of refuge for many person needing love, food and shelter.
Deaconess Harden was active in her church and other community organizations. She served at Antioch Baptist Church as a member of the Deaconess Board, Advisory Board, a member and past chairperson of the 2nd Sunday Usher Group, the Pastor’s Aid Club and a member and past chairperson of the Star of Bethlehem Sunday School Class.
She held a Golden Heritage membership in the NAACP and received several certificates of merit and recognition for outstanding service in the membership campaigns. She was a member of the YWCA and Urban League. She actively worked on membership drives for the Annie Malone Children’s Home, Ferrier Harris Home and the chairperson of the Block Unit #536. She received an Essence Award from the lota Pelatis Auxiliary of Alpha Zeta Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority. This Award was given in recognition of her outstanding contribution to her community.
Traveling was her hobby and she traveled extensively throughout the United States, Asia, Middle East, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean Islands. She shared her travel experiences with her grandchildren. She enjoyed people and poetry. Her favorite poem, from which she takes her motto, was “The House By the Side of the Road.” She was a true friend of mankind.
Deaconess Harden moved to San Diego, California to live with her loving and devoted daughter in 2006.
She leaves to cherish her beautiful life and memories her loving and devoted daughter, Rena Robinson-Rademacher (Bruce); devoted grandchildren: Nicole Robinson (Brian) and John Robinson (Michelle); great grandchildren: John IV and Ethan; she was the sister and a second mother to Dr. Amanda Murphy(George ; aunt and second mother to Marc A. Luckett (Krista); siblings: Laurene Townsend, Louise Lightfoot, Callie Horton (Bruce), Elizabeth Daniel and James Joiner; chosen sister and devoted friend, Vernice Jones; a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, other dear relatives, church family and friends.
Funeral services for Mrs. Harden will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday from the First Missionary Baptist Church, Huntsville with Reverend Gwendolyn Lee officiating. Interment will be in Valhalla Memory Gardens with Nelms Memorial Funeral Home handling the services. The remains or Mrs. Harden will be in the church one hour prior to funeral time.