A native of St. Petersburg who also lived in Miami before moving to Gainesville, Ms. Desmona Cecelia Williams Harden was the daughter of the late Theodore “Ted” and Idella Higdon Williams. She peacefully submitted to the will of God on Thursday, April 18, 2019, in Gainesville at her residence following a lingering illness at the age of 71.
A 1965 graduate of Gibbs High School in St. Petersburg, Ms. Harden later attended Savannah State College and Florida Memorial College where she received her Bachelor of Science and Clark Atlanta University where she received her Master of Science in library science.
Ms. Harden was a retired elementary school teacher and librarian with Miami Dade County Public Schools for 20 years. She was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a charter member of the Miami Chapter of the Girl Friends, Inc.
The Memorial Service will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27, 2019, at the Duncan Brothers’ Chapel in Gainesville with her brother, Rev. Pierre Loomis Williams, delivering Words of Comfort.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the School of Education, Florida Memorial University, 15800 NW 42 Ave. Miami Gardens, FL 33054, in memory of Desmona Williams Harden will be appreciated.
Left to cherish her memory is her son Phillip J. Harden of Tallahassee; her brother Rev. Pierre L. Williams of St. Petersburg; brother Aaron C. Williams preceded her in death; niece Lashara Edwards of St. Petersburg and a host of grand nephews, cousins and friends.
Arrangements entrusted to Duncan Brothers’ Funeral home, 428 NW 8th St., Gainesville.
