Mrs. Minnie Lee Harden

HARDEN, Mrs. Minnie - Age 90, passed away Friday, December 8, 2023 at her residence. Family hour 10:30 AM Monday, December 18, 2023 at Grace Emmanuel Baptist Church, 3502 Lapeer Rd., with funeral service commencing at 11:00 AM. Pastor Rabon L. Turner Sr., officiating. Interment Sunset Hills Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:30 AM Monday, December 18, 2023. Mrs. Harden will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed Sunday, December 17, 2023 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM with family present from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM to receive friends. Minnie Lee Harden, affectionally known as ‘Big Momma’ was born in Gaffney, South Carolina on June 10, 1933 to Anthony and Nannie Coleman. She transitioned peacefully at her home in Grand Blanc, MI on December 8, 2023. Minnie was the youngest, and last surviving sibling of the Coleman clan which included 5 girls and 5 boys. She attended school in South Carolina graduating from Granard High, where she was an honor student and competed in girl’s basketball. During her high school days, Minnie worked as a clerk at a small black owned grocery store in her neighborhood. Under the personal guidance of the owners, she became inspired and interested in the business aspect, learning all she could. After graduation, she moved to Flint, MI with her brothers Clarence and William, and met the love of her life, Henry Harden. Minnie made Flint history by being recognized in the news as the first ‘tan checker’ (black woman/man) to hold the position of cashier at the local Kroger Grocery store. She also worked as an elevator operator and for AC Spark Plug. Minnie continued to be active in sports in her pastime, participating in bowling and softball leagues in the Flint area for years. Minnie Coleman became Minnie Harden on July 10,1955, when she said “I do” to Henry. In 1956 the Harden’s welcomed their first daughter, Minetta, and by 1967 the family had grown to include Sheena, Sherri, and Tonja. This same year they acquired the neighborhood grocery store across the street from their home on Industrial Avenue, and Minnie fulfilled her dream of owning her own business. Harden’s Grocery serviced the North side neighborhoods for almost 45 years. If you were ever a customer, you knew your visits there would not only include receiving grocery items, but also lengthy conversations, laughter, lectures, advice, and definitely a prayer or scripture lesson. Minnie always said she considered the store counter as her pulpit! Harden’s Grocery remained a familiar staple in the neighborhood and over the years sponsored local sports teams, and community picnics, until it closed its doors after the untimely death of Henry in 2012. Over the years the Harden’s were also recognized as avid booster parents to Flint Northwestern High School. Minnie and Henry were both faithful members of St. James CME Church, where Minnie served as a Missionary, Choir Director, Sunday School/Bible School teacher, and leader of the Evangelism/Outreach Committee. St. James became the foundation of her spiritual growth and the family church for all of the children and grandchildren. Minnie also evangelized for many years, spreading the Gospel at various other churches in the Flint area and beyond, including back in her childhood home of Gaffney. Minnie will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to the Lord and his teachings. She will also be fondly remembered for her quick wit, and sharp mind, in spite of her battle with Dementia. Although her conversations had become limited, there were still numerous moments of clarity where her memory did not fail her in recall of events and people in her life. Even in her times of silence, you could always count on a smile and a friendly wave from her whenever she was approached by friends, relatives, loved ones, and even strangers. Minnie Lee Harden leaves to cherish sweet memories: Daughters- Sheena (Johnny) Manuel of Grand Blanc, MI, Sherri (Tyrone) Jordan of Clarkston, MI, and Tonja Harden of Farmington Hills, MI, Grandchildren - Damien Fountain, Johnny Manuel Jr. (Chris), Tyrone (Annie) Jordan II, Tiara (Haywood) Sutton, Jewan Manuel, Andre’ Rison Jr., and Najah Jones, Great Grandchildren - Damien Fountain Jr., Lola Jordan, Zoey Jordan, and Tyrone Jordan III, special brother-in-law Tommie Harden, cherished friend, Ottissteen Blair-Brown , and a host of extended family and friends survive. Minnie was preceded in death by her parents Anthony and Nannie Coleman, husband Henry Harden, daughter Minetta Harden, and siblings Charlie, WT, Clarence, William, Eskridge (“June”), Grace, Alice, Rosa, and Mathaleen.

Mrs. Minnie Lee Harden

June 10, 1933 - December 8, 2023