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Mary
Harding
March 31, 1935 – April 22, 2026
Aikens Funeral Home
2708 East Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33610
4:00 - 7:00 pm
Aikens Funeral Home
2708 East Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33610
10:30 - 11:45 am
Mary Elizabeth Harding was born to Carrie Lee Robinson and Joseph Williams on March 31, 1935. Being the first and only girl among five brothers — all of whom have preceded her in death — she learned early how to stand strong and hold her own. Mary was rambunctious, a quick-learning child with an easy smile and a patient disposition. She attended school in Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York, where she formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. Though she carried a quiet demeanor, her personality spoke loudly of dependability, loyalty, honesty, and love. Mary was deeply family- oriented, always placing the needs of those she loved above her own. In her early years, she enjoyed attending social functions on the weekends. At one of these gatherings, she met Edward Harding. They were immediately drawn to each other. They married on August 1, 1960, a union filled with joy and devotion. Their love was so enduring that they renewed their vows in 2001 and remained together until Edward’s passing in June 2005. Living to the age of 91, Mary experienced the loss of many uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, and coworkers. Yet she chose to focus on the people who made her later years extraordinary. Mary is survived by her daughter, Dianna Maxey of Tampa, Florida; grandson Tony; two great-grandchildren; Yolanda Moorer; Kenneth and Fred Jenkins; James and Brenda Robertson; cousin, Theresa Walker of Virginia; and a host of cousins; an honorable thanks: Katara, Emani, and Mark; the Ellis Family — Vernida, Isa, Pancho, Michelle — and her godson, for their unwavering love and support. Her lifelong brother, Alley Nurse, for the long, meaningful phone conversations. Yvonne, Duvall, and Pat Walters for their many calls and shared memories. Her wonderful neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Porter, the unforgettable Hernandez family, Pedro, Dru and Sherry. The teenage reminiscing with Yvonne. And Ms. E from Hospice, whose care brought comfort and dignity. All these people were instrumental in her longevity, and for that, she was deeply thankful.
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