Jake Harden, Jr.

Deacon Jake Harden, Jr. was born June 15, 1951 in Statesboro, Georgia to  Jake Harden, Sr. and Lizzie Lee Littles Harden. He entered into eternal rest on Thursday morning, August 11, 2022.  He attended the public schools of Bulloch County and Candler County, Georgia.

 Being raised in a Christian family, Jake attended church regularly as a child.  At an early age, he confessed faith in Christ and joined Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church where he served faithfully on the Deacon Board.  Later in life he moved his membership to Mercer Grove Missionary Baptist Church and continued his Christian service as a deacon.

 Jake’s work history began at home, on the farm.  He developed an excellent work ethic that led to employment at ITT Grinnell Fittings Division in Statesboro, Georgia.  He worked there for over 25 years.  Later, he found employment at the Georgia Ports Authority where he worked for 8 ½ years before retiring.

 Jake loved God, his church and his family.  His faith and love for Jesus Christ was evident throughout his life. He was a family man and always provided for his family.  Jake was a friendly person who never met a stranger.  He was always willing to encourage everyone and share his wisdom with the youth.

Along with his parents, Jake was preceded in death by his wife of 24 years, Josephine Jackson Harden; two brothers, Frank Littles, James Harden, Sr.; four sisters, Ruby Redding, Mildred Mincey, Lizzie Mae Leach, Leola Burton.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Fayette Harden, ten children, Terry Harden Mercer(Michael), Teah Byrd (Charles), Timothy Harden, Teresa Byrd, Tracy Harden, Gregory Parrish(Kiara), Deidra Parrish (Mamane), Jamison Williams (Kierra), Marquez Simpkins, and J.D. Harper; nine siblings, Lucille Steely, Mae Jackson (Charles), Margie Byrd (Jessie), Voncine Douglas, Blondie Richards (Rudolph), Tony Harden (Modestine), Ronnie Harden (Connie), Rony Harden (Cynthia), Bruce Harden (Shandra); mother-in-law, Madie Harper; brothers-in-law, Richard Parrish, Robert Harper, and Darian Harper (Regina); sisters-in-law, Janet Huiett , Delores Harden; thirty-eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, several nephews, nieces, and cousins.

The Staff of Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to support and serve the Harden family with Dignity, Respect and Integrity. 

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