Samuel Hercules Harden, Sr.

On Friday, August 22, 2025, God extended His hand to Samuel H. Harden Sr., and said well done, thy good and faithful servant, you can rest from your earthly labor. Born Friday, March 2, 1934, to the parentage of Chester S. Harden, Sr., and Alene Porter Harden of Woodville, MS.

Samuel was born into a singing and praying family where he was taught biblical principles that would not only nurture but also encourage continued spiritual growth. With those biblical principles Samuel accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at an early age at Univesta Baptist Church in Woodville, MS. Later Samuel joined Evening Star Missionary Baptist Church in Woodville, MS under the leadership of Pastor Luther Barnes Jr. He would often be found singing, “Walk with Me Lord” in the adult choir or praying and singing on the deacon board. There he remained faithful until he was no longer able to attend.

Samuel was always a hard-working man. He started off working with his father and siblings on the Harden farm. He was educated in the Wilkinson County School District. Later on in life, he continued his own legacy of raising cattle and hauling wood. Later, he joined with his brother, Jessie Harden Sr., and started a logging business. They worked together for over fifty years. Samuel never truly retired. He later began his version of a “neighboring taxi service.”

He held Psalm 25:20 in his heart (O keep my soul, and deliver me; let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee). During hospital visits, nurses would say to his daughter Angela, “Your father is always praying and has a beautiful singing voice.” We love it and him! During one visit, she stated a nurse said they were betting each other that old man Samuel was either an old pastor or an old deacon.

On November 7, 1954, he married his loving and devoted bride, Laura Dyer Harden. They then began a dialogue regarding starting a family. “Honey” said Samuel wanted thirteen children, and she said no. Samuel said, “honey wanted thirteen children along with a home with yellow kitchen cabinets, and he said no. They settled for ten. Six boys and four girls. They were married for sixty-five years until death did them part. Mrs. Laura passed away on October 19, 2020.

Samuel Sr. played a very active role in the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s. He was a lead member of our local chapter of “The Deacons for Defense and Justice,” helping to protect and defend Black communities and Civil Rights activists who were fighting for Racial Equality. He worked tirelessly to protect African Americans from the violent intimidation of various organizations during that era.

He was preceded in death by his wife - Laura Harden. Parents - Chester Harden Sr. and Alene Harden. Sons - Kenny Harden Sr. and Gregory Harden. Daughter - Earldean Harden. Sisters - Gloria Harden Dyer, Ethel Harden Fleming, Ester Harden, Alene Harden, Leitha Harden Fuller and Savannah Harden Dent. Brothers - Chester Harden Jr., McAmis Harden Sr., Revonne Harden Sr., and George Harden Sr. Granddaughter - KaRhona Harden

He leaves to cherish his memories daughters - Angela Harden Baker (William Sr. AKA his son), Glenda Harden, Debra Harden Nettles (Joseph Jr.). Sons - Samuel Harden Jr., Ronnie Harden, Kelvin Harden Sr., and Joseph Harden Sr. His brother - Jessie Harden Sr. His sisters - Beverly Harden Wilson, Shirley Harden Robinson, Frances Harden Williams (Simmie). His Ride or die granddaughter Cassiopeia Baker and a host of other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends.