Dorothy Mae Harden

Dorothy Mae Harden, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted servant of God, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the age of 93.

Born on October 8, 1931, in Wilson, North Carolina, Dorothy was the daughter of Mary Frances Hinton, who later married John Mayo. Dorothy graduated from George P. Phenix High School in 1953, where she cultivated a passion for home economics that would influence her life’s work as a seamstress, homemaker, and caregiver.

Dorothy married Ernest Muriel Harden, an enlisted member of the U.S. Air Force. Together, they had three children: Ernest “Bubba” Jr., and twins David Brian and Dorothea Cynthia. Their marriage lasted fifteen years, and during that time they traveled extensively, living in Bitburg, Germany and Michigan, eventually settling back in Hampton, Virginia. Though divorced, they maintained family bonds that endured over time.

Dorothy was raised in the church and gave her life to Christ at an early age.  She joined Bethel A.M.E. Church in her early teens.  She served faithfully in many roles over the decades: Junior Usher and YPD member and later as President of the Senior Usher Board, Sponsor of the Junior Usher Board, Stewardess, and Director of the Palm Girls along with the Sis. Henrietta Barrett for nearly 30 years. She was known for her impeccable sewing, crafting the white chancel covers for the church altar, chairs, and pulpit, and working alongside Bro. Norris Lamb and Sis. Joan Wilson to organize church events. Her commitment to her church family was unwavering, and her presence left a lasting imprint on all who worshipped beside her.

Dorothy was a skilled seamstress, renowned for making bridal gowns and bridesmaids' dresses. In addition to her work with fabric, she was a certified childcare provider, nurturing children for over 40 years. Even after retiring due to illness , She later cared for her beloved granddaughter, Briana Dandridge, who became the light of her life and her inspiration to keep going. Briana, along with great-granddaughter Amariana Whitaker, was a source of boundless joy and love in her final years.

Dorothy was a proud member of The Free Women in Christ – Hampton Roads Chapter, under the leadership of the late Rev. Glennie Thompson. Her spirit was deeply moved by her dearest friends and prayer partners, including Rev. Joyce Proctor, who introduced her to the Holy Spirit, and cherished companions Ellen Stewart, the late Mildred McCormick, the late Velma Gray, and Hattie Staples. Her spiritual bond with Dorothy Cox, Kenneth Cox, and Rev. Glennie Thompson reflected her enduring faith and commitment to living a spirit-filled life.

She was preceded in death by her son Ernest “Bubba” Harden, Jr. and niece Barbara Harden. She is survived by her son David Harden (Victoria Miller), daughter Cynthia Harden, granddaughter Briana Dandridge, great-granddaughter Amariana Whitaker, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family, including Joe Johnson, Eileen Johnson, William H. Harden, Deborah Harden, Stacy Harden, Kimberlee Harden, Shannon Tooten, Marcy Tooten, William Harden Jr., Jody Harden, George Harden, Michael Harden, and Sue Harden.

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