Ella Harding's Obituary
Ella Harding Obituary
Ella was the sixth child of seven children born to the union of Samuel “Poppa” and Mary “Mama” (Wright) Cauley in Biscoe, Arkansas on June 6, 1920.
The family relocated from Arkansas to Chicago, IL in 1925.
Ella attended Wendell Phillips High School and shortly thereafter met and married the love of her life, Edward Harding in 1938. They shared a lifetime of memories for over 50 years. Within their union, Ella and Edward had eight children, Barbara Jean, Tyrone, Wayman and Winston, Edwin, Sharon, Larry and Jerry.
Ella also known as “Mother” was a devoted wife and mother. She was strong with a loving heart. Raising their young family on the Southside of Chicago, Mother would go to any length to care for her children. She was straight forward and could always be counted on to “call it like she saw it”.
We remember her Mother-isms” well. Some of which were, “Okay-Baby”, “Bless Your Heart”, “Imma beat your backside”, “ Come here Baby, you know your name” , “Be Cool Baby”and we will never forget, “Dr Oz says...”. In addition to her dedication to her family she also worked at American Speaker Company for over 22 years.
Ella joined Saint Dorothy’s Church in the mid-1970s and was a devoted member where she served on the Ladies Guild and the Ladies of Saint Peter Claver Court #158. Ella supported her parish by raising funds through the sale of her famous dinner rolls, an occasional punch bowl cake, or crocheting or knitting blankets.
She not only enjoyed crocheting but she was well traveled. Jet setting to varied countries across the world. She was an avid walker, loved shopping at Marshall Fields and going to her favorite “place”.
After a brief illness, Ella gained her wings and transitioned from this life on December 16, 2018. She leaves to celebrate her memories, 6 loving children, Barbara Jean Pinkey (Bill), Wayman Harding (Jean), Winston Harding (Delores), Edwin Harding (Ingrid), Sharon Bacon (Ron), Jerry Harding (Denise), Adopted great granddaughter, Tisheia Harding, 27 grandchildren, and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Preceding her in death was her beloved husband Edward and 2 sons, Tyrone and Larry.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Ella Harding, please visit our floral store.
Read More
What’s your fondest memory of Ella?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ella?
Share a story where Ella's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ella you’ll never forget.
How did Ella make you smile?

