Mary Louise Harden

Mary Louise was born March 27, 1942, in Natchez, MS. She began school in a one room schoolhouse and there she developed her love of reading. When her parents John Charles (JC) and Dorothy Louise (Reynolds) Brown moved to East St Louis, IL.

“Titmouse” as she was fondly called, completed elementary school and attended secondary school at East St Louis Lincoln High School. Mary completed her secondary education at Crispus

Attucks High School in Indianapolis, Indiana.

While still young, Mary married Billy G. Redd. During that union, son Andre’, and daughters Allison and Robin were born. After that union dissolved in 1961, Mary moved to Indianapolis with the U.S. Army Finance and Accounting Center. While working at the Finance Center, Mary met her best friend and future husband Percy L. Harden Jr. Mary, and Percy were later married and to this union were born two sons, Darrell and Craig Harden. They enjoyed over 55 years of laughing, photography, swap meet searching, bantering, road trips, camping, motorcycle road trips and collecting various items of interest until his passing on October 8, 2016. Mary passed exactly six years to the date of Percy’s passing on October 8, 2022.

Mary began her career at the Defense Finance and Accounting Center in 1960 as a clerk in St. Louis, Missouri. She rose through the ranks to become the first and only black woman to serve as Manager of Women’s and Upward Mobility Programs for the Department of Defense before retiring in 1999 after holding positions at the Arlington, VA headquarters and in Indianapolis.

Mary served with the Defense Finance and Accounting Center (DFAC) support committee for the base closure commission. Mary retired from DFAC with 38 years of service at 57 years old and was just getting started! She then volunteered for many civic and social organizations. She also delved into the second of many careers, as a Real Estate Broker and Certified Real Estate Appraiser. This was trailblazing in a predominantly male real estate appraisal business. Mary was working as a residential appraiser and editor at the time of her passing.

Mary, fondly called Mommie by many, was a consummate reader. You would seldom see her without a book in her hand. She was always sharpening her skills or learning something new. She continued her higher education while working full-time and raising her five children. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. Mary earned a Master’s degree from Ball State University and did postgraduate work at the University of South Carolina School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Even in her late 70’s she took additional college courses at Marion University with students about a quarter of her age, which didn’t hinder her ability to succeed.

Mary was an active member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NC100BW) for over 37 years. She and other members sought to support and provide a forum for black women who are in leadership and management positions. NC100BW also provides help with economic development, financial literacy, education and health through the Academy for Girls. Young ladies are provided mentorship and exposure that is designed to help them thrive during and after high school. Mary took pride in passing on life lessons she learned from women who came before her.

Mary served in a variety of roles in the Indianapolis Chapter, President, 1st Vice President for programs and Membership Chair. She also served as National Program Chair and National Board National Treasurer.

Mary was a WNBA Indiana Fever Volunteer, Member of Progressive Mothers, President of the FBI Citizens Academy Board of Directors, Salvation Army Board and YMCA Board. Some of Mary’s many awards include Federally Employed Women, Woman of the Year, United Way of Central Indiana Volunteer of the Year & Sarah Lewis Lifetime Achievement Award, YMCA Board Leadership and Service Award, for outstanding commitment to Urban Mission, Listed in Who’s Who in America.

Mary accepted Christ early in her life while attending Wesley Bethel Methodist Church in East St. Louis, IL. She was a faithful member of Witherspoon Presbyterian Church for over 40 years. One of her greatest passions was working closely with her church family. She served as a layperson and as an Elder, working with the Session. She also worked with the ministry sound system, the finance committee, the monthly newsletter and the WPC website over the years. She worked with Presbyterian Women's Organization (PWOW), the Elizabeth Circle and wherever there was a need. She loved her church home and worked tirelessly with the relocation committee.

Mary loved photography, reading, traveling, road trips, crossword puzzles and all kinds of music including country and pop. Anne Murray was one of her favorite artists. Mary was a quiet, reflective person who rarely gave unsolicited advice. She was a good listener, a trusted friend and confidant, and thought everyone was equal no matter their race, gender or differing viewpoints. She tried never to say a cross word about anyone and made it her motto to help others along the way, as her mother Dorothy, taught her to do. As a mother “Mommie”, as she was affectionately called, set a loving, yet firm example for all of her

children. She encouraged them to work hard and requested that “if the labor/job was great or small, to do it well or not at all”.

Her greatest joy was to see that her children developed into well rounded, self-sufficient, God-fearing adults. She truly was a great Mom, Sister-in-law, Grandmother, Great Grandma, Cousin and Friend, who will be missed by all.

After a seven-month battle with advanced T-cell lymphoma, Mary passed away quietly at her home surrounded by her adoring family on October 8, 2022.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory children: Andre’ Redd (Timmeshia) of Fairview Heights, IL; Allison Redd Shields of Indianapolis, IN; Robin Redd Perry (David) of Waukegan, IL; Darrell Harden (Princess) of Wesley Chapel, FL; Craig Harden (Jennifer) of Indianapolis, IN. Also, four stepchildren: Richard Harden, Calvin Harden (Elizabeth), Marjorie Harden, and Linda Harden all of Indianapolis, IN; sister-in- law Anita J. Harden and nephew Brian Weir-Harden (Jennifer) both of Indianapolis, IN. She has 23 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and a host of cousins, family and devoted friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved parents, husband Percy Harden Jr., stepsons; Kenneth Harden Sr. and Percy Harden III, and grandson Gabriel Robison Harden.

We do not say goodbye, Mary, Mommie, Grandma Mary, Cousin, Friend. We will see you later as promised at Isaiah 65:17-25, Acts 24:15, John 5:28,29.