Henry Daddy" Harden

HARDEN, Mr. Henry - Age 80, passed away Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at McLaren-Flint. Family hour 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3502 Lapeer Rd., with funeral service commencing at 11 a.m. Pastor Patricia Havis, officiating, Pastor Marvin A. Jennings, Sr., Host Pastor. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10 a.m. Tuesday. Mr. Harden will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd, and may be viewed from 12Noon-8 p.m. Monday with family present from 6-8 p.m. Mr. Henry Elbert Harden, affectionately known as “Big Daddy” and “Buddy Brown”, was born October 12, 1931 in Pontotoc, Mississippi, one of 13 children to Byron and Vivian Harden. Growing up in Mississippi, he graduated from College Hill High. After graduation, he served in the armed forces, and was Honorably Discharged from the United States Air Force in July of 1950. Henry moved to Flint, Michigan in 1951 following his older brothers, to pursue work. He met and married the “Love of his Life”, Minnie Coleman in 1955. To this union, four children were born: Minetta, Sheena, Sherri, and Tonja. During his 61 years of residency in Flint, Henry worked for General Motors Flint V-8 Engine, retiring after 30 years of service and was a member of UAW Local 659. He was a faithful member of St. James C.M.E. church for over 50 years, serving on the Trustee and Steward Boards. Henry was the owner/operator of Harden’s Grocery for 44 years, during which time he provided employment opportunities, community/neighborhood events, and sponsored many local basketball and softball leagues. He leaves to cherish his memory: His faithful wife of 56 years, Minnie Lee Harden; 4 daughters, Minetta Vickers of Grand Blanc, MI, Sheena (Johnny) Manuel of Flint, Sherri (Tyrone) Jordan of Clarkston, MI and Tonja Rison of Southfield, MI; 3 brothers, Frank (Verna) Harden, Tommie (Ruby Jewell) Harden and Leon Harden; 2 sisters, Earlene (LC) Murray and Freeda(Henry) Bizzle; 7 grandchildren, Damien Fountain, Najah Walker, Johnny Manuel, Jr., Jewan Manuel, Tyrone Jordan II, Tiara Jordan and Andre’ Rison, Jr.; 1 great-grandchild, Damien Fountain, Jr; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends survive. Mr. Harden was preceded in death by his parents, Vivian and Byron Harden; brothers, William, Leonard, and George Harden; sisters, Flenore and Maggielene Henning, Dorothy Hornsby, and Adella Harden.

Henry Daddy" Harden

October 12, 1931 - April 10, 2012