757.628.1000

Pastor Thomas “Tommy” Harden, Jr.


Sunrise: June 7, 1955

Sunset: February 26, 2024

In the early morning hours of Monday, February 26, 2024 the Lord saw fit to end the earthly journey of our beloved husband, father, brother, pastor, and friend. Pastor Thomas Elgie Harden, Jr. was called into eternal rest and peace in the comfort of his residence.

“Tommy,” as he was affectionately called, was born June 7, 1955 in Windsor, Virgina. He was the son of the late Elder Thomas E. Harden, Sr. and Mildred Yvonne Jones Harden. At an early age, he joined Chapel Grove United Church of Christ in Windsor, Virginia. Thomas was saved, baptized and bonded into a steadfast union with our Lord. In the years to come he knew that he needed to be trained to serve God’s people. Thus he began his spiritual journey, first uniting with St. Andrew’s Church of God In Christ, formerly in Norfolk, Virginia; Shiloh Baptist Church in Windsor, Virginia; and New Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia.

Thomas was a graduate of Windsor High School, Virginia State University (VSU) and Virginia University of Lynchburg (VUL). After completing his last course at VUL, St. Timothy Baptist Church called him. He accepted the call and began serving as pastor of St. Timothy Baptist Church for 24 years. Pastor Harden had a love for all people. He was always willing to help. Thomas worked at FedEx for 28 years before retirement. He was employed part time at Homestead Home and Southeastern Virginia Training Center in Chesapeake, Virginia. He taught special education classes for a few years also and he will be sorely missed.

Pastor Thomas Elgie “Tommy” Harden, Jr. was preceded in his journey to rest by his parents; brother, Reginald Harden; grandmother, Louise Jones; and uncles, James Harden and Thomas Harden. He leaves to cherish his memories: his beloved wife, Yvonne Britt Harden; his only child, that he was very proud of and called his “BooBoo”, Thomas E. “T.J” Harden, III; sisters: Mother Nellie Townes of Suffolk, Virginia, Earnestine Cottle of Suffolk, Virginia, and Janet Harden (Larry) of Hampton, Virginia; brothers: Ervin Jones (Jean) of Surry, Virginia, Robert A. Picot (Valerie) of Suffolk, Virginia, and Melvin Townes of Newport News, Virginia; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Pastor Harden will be tremendously be missed, as he was deeply loved by his family, St. Timothy Baptist Church Family and community.

May his soul rest in peace.

Lie in State: Monday, March 4, 2024 12:00 Noon - 6:00 PM Metropolitan Funeral Service 268 Holladay Street Suffolk, Virginia Family Visitation: Monday, March 4, 2024 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Metropolitan Funeral Service 268 Holladay Street Suffolk, Virginia Triumphant Celebration: Tuesday, March 5, 2024 11:00 AM New Mount Joy Food For Living Ministry 307 County Street Suffolk, Virginia And He Shall Rest, Until the Trumpet Sounds: Roosevelt Memorial Park 1101 Campostella Road Chesapeake, Virginia

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Condolences(33)

  1. reply
    Denise McClure says

    My deepest condolences is extended to the entire Harden family. Tommy will be missed by so many including his classmates at Virginia State University. Another fallen Trojan gone too soon.

    • reply
      Russell Lee says

      My deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family of our fellow Trojan. Tommy was such a good man who was loved by all. He will be sorely missed, but he’s in a much better place than this world he left behind. He is now with his fellow Angels, right where he belongs!

  2. reply
    Margie Copeland says

    To the Harden and Jones Family,
    Sadden to hear about your huge family loss. May God continue to carry each of you everyday to make your walk easier. Tommy’s has completed his journey among us earthlings and is moving to a better place in the arms of God.

    • reply
      Ms Mann says

      Condolences to the family of Tommy he was an amazing and kind person May you cherish the joy and blessings that he brought to you and others

  3. reply
    Rev.James Larry Roberts says

    Deepest condolences to the Jones and Harden family. Take your rest my brother until we meet on that peaceful shore of no more trials or troubles. So glad for the memories we had to share.

    • reply
      Shirley Wright Brooks says

      Praying continually for the Harden’s Family. Please accept my deepest condolences.

  4. reply
    James G Battle says

    My beautiful Blessings to the entire Harden family and friend’s.
    God has a plan. Trust in the Lord.

    James “Bookey” Battle

  5. reply
    Walter R. and Christy A. Hunt says

    Praying that the Lord will continue to bless and keep you safe in his arms at this time of loss 🙏🏿
    Sharing our love

  6. reply
    Shawn C says

    Rest in peace my friend. I will truly miss you. Thanks for the friendship and memories.
    Forever your friend,
    Shawn C.

  7. reply
    Lehomer Grant says

    May you find comfort in knowing that to be absent from the body is present with the Lord. Sending condolences and prayers to the Harden family. Pastor Harden will always remain special in heart of the Grant family. His preaching, teaching and Servant Leadership unto God has been an anchor for our continued journey in faith as we remember our membership at St. Timothy Baptist Church.

    Love,
    Deaconess Lehomer Grant & Family

  8. reply
    Olivia Crawley says

    May God guide you and your family through this difficult time. He was a great man and will be missed by many who knew and loved him.
    Olivia Crawley, former instructor at the Suffolk Site Virginia University of Lynchburg.

    • reply
      Pastor George E. Smith, First Lady Diane Smith and True Gospel Christian Church Family says

      To the harden family sending our condolences and prayers God will take care of you .🙏🏽

  9. reply
    Pastor George E. Smith, First Lady Diane Smith and True Gospel Christian Church Family says

    To the harden family sending our condolences and prayers God will take care of you .🙏🏽

  10. reply
    Joan Bker says

    My condolences to the family🙏🏽

  11. reply
    Joan Bker says

    My condolences and prayers to the family 🙏🏽

  12. reply
    Patricia Ballard Edwards says

    To the family of our dearly departed.
    Tommy was always a kind and gentle soul. May you find comfort in knowing that he now surely rests in the arms of “The Comforter”.

  13. reply
    Patricia Ballard Edwards says

    To the family of our dearly departed.
    Tommy was always a kind and gentle soul. May you find comfort in knowing that he now surely rests in the arms of “The Comforter”.

  14. reply
    Sandra Norfleet says

    To The Harden Family,
    On behalf of my father Pastor Joe Vinson who is your neighbor and our entire Vinson family I extend our heartfelt condolences to you. We were deeply saddened to hear of Pastor Thomas transition however we know that he’s resting with our Heavenly Father. May the Lord comfort your hearts and give you His peace during this difficult time and the days ahead. God is a present help in the time of trouble!

  15. reply
    Shirley Williamson says

    To the Hardin family I extend my deepest Condolences. Tommy was such a wonderful respectful human gentleman and great husband, friend and we worked together at FedEx in Hampton.
    Shirley

  16. reply
    Apostle Gary Rodgers and First Lady Faultine Rodgers, More Excellent Inc. says

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the Harden family and church family. May God continue to be your strength.

  17. reply
    Udessa & Latrice Liggins says

    Tommy this is a shock to my mom and myself. I’ll always remember the jokes we shared with each other and your sermons. You’ve earned your crown. Rest eternally in heavenly peace. My deepest condolences to First lady Harden, the Harden family, and St. Timothy Baptist Church.

  18. reply
    Ben & Faye Warren says

    Our sincere condolences to Yvonne, TJ and the entire Harden family. Tommy loved the Lord so much that the Holy Spirit resonated from his fervent prayers. He prayed with me and my husband just about 2 weeks ago as I shared with him about my niece and her terminal diagnosis from cancer. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. God bless and keep you.

  19. reply
    Dutch and Trena Moore says

    Dear,Yvonne and Tj
    I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Tommy. He was a deep brother and I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to know him. I will always remember the way he said “Naahh” he made everyone laugh and feel welcome with his joy of Life.
    Our prayers are with you and TJ and your family.
    With sympathy Dutch and Trena Moore

    • reply
      Dr. Kim Wint says

      I am so sorry for your loss I am praying for you and family. So sorry I could not attend the funeral.

  20. reply
    Tony Clark says

    My sincere condolences to Yvonne and the entire family.. May God comfort your life during this time.. Ronnie and I truly send our prayers of hope.

  21. reply
    James Miller says

    Our sincere condolences to the Harden family. Tommy’s legacy of love and kindness will forever be remembered. During this time of profound sorrow, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you find your way through this difficult journey.

    Trojan Family Forever
    James and Dorothy Miller

  22. reply
    Andrew M Faison says

    My sincere condolences to Yvonne and the Harden family. I am bless that the lord made our path in life cross. I know this is such a difficult time for you and your family. But god will forsake you he will be with every step of the way. My family will continue to pray for you and your family.

    Trojans For Life
    Morgan Faison and Family

  23. reply
    Nelson & Bert Sinclair says

    So sorry for your lost pastor Harden will be missed, he was a good and decent man of the cloth. I had the pleasure of working with him for 18 years and during that time he was always willing to share his wisdom and knowledge, while also having fun in our work environment. To the family may God help you through this time of sorrow and know that pastor Harden is now in his everlasting home.🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

  24. reply
    Renaldo Robinson says

    Rest on good brother!

  25. reply
    Ms Mann says

    Condolences to the family of Tommy he was a kind person and will truly be missed by all his friends and family

  26. reply
    Elder Marion J. Williams & Elder Brandon M. Williams says

    Our sincere condolences to the Harden Family & the St Timothy Church Family. We first met Pastor Harden at “Sporty’s Barber Shop” and formed a friendship that will be cherished. Pastor Harden’s work, example and labor will not be forgotten. Family & Church continue to stand together & love together in the example that Pastor Harden has shown us.

  27. reply
    Pastor Ray & Missionary Helen Beamon Satterfield says

    We are thankful to God for Pastor Tommy’s life. He made a difference in the lives of many. You are consistently in our prayers. God will comfort and strengthen you in the many months and years to come. Sending our love

  28. reply
    Mark Allmond & Angie Allmond Cosby Cosby says

    Our sincerest condolences to Your Family. Remember
    during these days you have the comfort of the Holy Spirit and each other to celebrate the great life legacy of Tommy.
    God Is All,

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