Pastor Shirley Harden

Pastor Shirley Gene Harden, 55, of Jefferson City, died Monday, December 13, 2010, at Capital Region Medical Center. She was born June 2, 1955, in Poplar Bluff, a daughter of Manuel and Fannie (Matthews) Wallace. She attended schools in Wheatley and Poplar Bluff. In 1979, Shirley was united in marriage in Poplar Bluff to Theodore Harden Sr., who preceded her in death in 1995. Shirley had worked for Smiley's Box Factory in the late 1970's and early 1980's and for Briggs and Stratton from the early 1980's to late 1990's. In 2000, Shirley started a daycare in her home that she shared with her daughters, caring for many, many children. For the past 11 years, Shirley had served as Pastor of Lively Stone Church of God in Jefferson City. She is survived by seven children: Jason O. Wallace, Jeremiah M. Wallace Sr. (Tasha), Lawrence Wallace, Hope D. Dale (Timothy), Karin LaShae Harden, Theodore Harden Jr., and Joseph L. Harden (Ciara), all of Jefferson City; four brothers: Manuel Wallace of Madison, Illinois, Robert Wallace of Poplar Bluff, Anthony Wallace of Elkhart, Indiana, Gary Wallace of St. Thomas; five sisters: Rose Mary Britton of St. Louis, Velma Ward of Jefferson City, Virginia Barnes of Indianapolis, Indiana, Rose Marie Wallace of Indianapolis, Indiana, Liz Mwaniki of Poplar Bluff; 32 grandchildren; her foster children, Emmer Nichols, Versie Howard and Craig Howard; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, and five siblings: Geneva Culp, James Wallace, Terry Wallace, George Wallace and William Wallace. Friends will be received from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 18, 2010, at the Solid Rock Family Church, where funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Bishop Thomas McAdams officiating. Interment will follow in Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family of Shirley Harden. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main St., (573)636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at millardfamilychapels.com