Martha was a beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She passed away at Diversicare of Boaz on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the age of 96, surrounded by her family and friends.
Born on February 3, 1929, to James Robert “Pete” Lewis and Bonnie Wynn King Lewis, Martha grew up in Union Grove, Alabama, and was the third of five daughters. She attended Arab High School in the late 1940s, where she was a majorette, and later pursued studies at Snead State Junior College in 1985-1986. She also attended cosmetology school at Calhoun Junior College in Decatur, Alabama. After high school, Martha dedicated over 40 years to working and managing several beauty salons in Arab and Guntersville.
In December of 1950, she married Verlon David Harden of Friendship, Alabama, and together they moved to Guntersville, where they raised three children.
Martha was passionate about playing softball, square dancing, and clogging, always enjoying an active and vibrant lifestyle.
She is survived by her daughter, Kathy (Ted); sons, Mike and Pete; and her chosen daughter, Lyda Ann Tripp. Also left to cherish her memory are her sisters, Georgia Mae Gibson and Marion Brown; grandchildren Misty Lacks (Justin), Jeremy Lacks (Heather), Josh Harden, Matt Lacks (Adrienne), Summer Bowlin (Matt), Whitney Harden, Jade Yarbrough (Cory), and Sissy Tripp; and great-grandchildren Jeanna Harden, Patrick Harden, Bre Lacks, Caleb Harden, Graeson Harden, Addison Bowlin, Emma Harden, Ansley Bowlin, and Noah Harden.
Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Verlon D. Harden; her parents; sisters Virginia Hackleman and Mary Lohr; and daughter-in-law, Vicky Mitchell Harden.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to Shepherd’s Cove in Albertville or a charity of your choice.
