Laura Mae Harden

Laura Mae "Cookie" Harden, beloved mother and grandmother, of Charlotte, NC went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 27,2022 at the age of 81. She was born on November 24, 1940 in Greenville, NC to the late Ernest and Irene Worthington. She was preceded in death by her children Rufus Jr, Vickie Marie, Lorenzo, and Kenneth Earl Harden; her siblings Ernest Worthington Jr, Gladys Edwards and Elmer Worthington.

She leaves to cherish her memory, three daughters: Jeanette Harden, Deborah Simmons and Angela Harden; two sons Ronnie Harden and Irving King (April); her sisters Helen Joyce Womack and Beatrice Ricks; and her brother Henry James Worthington. Laura Mae was blessed with nine grandchildren: Nicole, Crystal, Antoine (Lola), Deante, Mattie, Keneesha, Antonio (Paige), Ronee' , Amya, and a fur grandbaby BamBam; 12 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and special friends that will cherish the memory of this great woman.

Laura Mae was born in Greenville, South Carolina, and later moved to Suffolk, VA. In early 1970 she moved to the Washington, D.C. area to make a better life for herself and her six children. Mae worked various jobs while settling into her new environment. She worked as an escort of unaccompanied minors at Washington National Airport in the early 1980s. She went on to work in the private sector for many years. In her adult years she became a devoted member of Gospel Temple True Church of the Living God Apostolic #3 in Washington, D.C. under the leadership of Pastor Belvis Early. Her devotion and commitment to Kingdom Building was shown with her willingness to assist several ministers of the gospel. She was instrumental in ministry with Pastor Belvis Early and Apostle Frances Brown, always giving of her time and attending to their needs. Laura Mae was a faithful member of the Stars of Faith Ensemble, Mattie Johnson and Stars of Faith Fan Club, and many gospel music affiliations in the Washington, D.C. area. Her love of music and God was evident in her years of service. She was a woman of great strength, commitment and perseverance. She set an example for many, especially her children, that God is faithful.

Laura Mae was also well known and loved in her community; always putting others first. Known for her large family holiday gatherings that featured her famous pies and walnut cakes. Laura Mae's presence is unforgettable. She provided wisdom, love, laughter, and even a word of correction if you were acting up. She will be remembered for her distinct smile, laugh, and being a great mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and an example to many; a great woman who left her mark on the world and made it better than she found it.

A visitation for Laura will be held Saturday, July 9, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28210, followed by a celebration of life at 1:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com for the Harden family.