Leona Ethel Dicks Harden, 94, of Lake City, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2014 at Willowbrook Assisted Living. Mrs. Harden was born October 23, 1919, to George F. and Fannie Kerce Dicks. She was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband of 54 years, James Wilbur Harden in 1993, and grandson, Timmy Cole in 1979. Mrs. Harden, affectionately known to many as Aunt Leona, was a life long resident of Columbia County and a 1937 graduate of Mason City School. She enjoyed her work on the farm, as well as her career at Sunland Training Center as a caregiver to children & young adults.
As a devoted member of Hopeful Baptist Church, Mrs. Harden served faithfully as a Sunday School Teacher, pianist and choir member.
She is survived by her children, Yvonne Cole (Gene, deceased) and Ronald (Gail) Harden; grandchildren, Melanie (Don) Esty, Melissa (Bill) Greer, Greg (Melissa) Harden, Sonya (Robert) Judkins and Jeffrey Harden; 8 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at Hopeful Baptist Church with Dr. Rodney Baker and Dr. Ralph Rodriguez officiating. Interment will follow in Hopeful Baptist Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held Friday evening, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations please be made to the Hopeful Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 289 SE Hopeful Drive, Lake City, FL. 32025.
GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 South US Hwy 441, Lake City, FL. 32025. (386) 752-1954. Please leave words of encouragement for the family online at, www.gatewayforestlawn.com