Ada Marie Harden

Ada Marie Stewart Harden took leave for her eternal rest on August 21, 2026, surrounded by family and loved ones in Austin, Texas. She was a native Austinite, born on April 25, 1935, to Leslie and Essie Stewart (both deceased), and the last of eight siblings: Cornell, Leslie, James and Roosevelt, Elmer Bunton, Joylie White, Rosa Reid, and Mary Brooks (all deceased). She was formally married to the late Roosevelt Harden, Sr. To this union four children were born: Roosevelt, Jr.; Billy (deceased); Marilyn; and Anita.
Ms. Ada was a devoted woman of God, whose life was defined by her faith, her commitment to her community, and her love for her family and for others. She was actively involved in her church and was known for her dedication to serving and supporting those around her.
Ms. Ada had a “Drive” to Survive! At an early age, she found herself being a wife and a mother of four small children. Most would have settled for that, but Ms. Ada wanted more—more for her family—more for herself. In 1970, Ms. Ada enrolled at Austin Community College, earning her associate degree in business administration, and then immediately enrolled into Huston-Tillotson College, where she earned her bachelor's degree in sociology. One of her proudest moments was crossing the stage with her youngest daughter Anita. Ms. Ada was an industrious woman. She had a number of careers and avocations and devoted her life to youth education, cultural arts, and civic outreach. She was a prominent East Austin community leader, businesswoman, model, actress, educator, and television host. In 1978, Ms. Ada became employed with the Austin Independent School District, where she served in several capacities. As a Volunteer Coordinator & Resource Specialist, Ms. Ada developed a partnership with local colleges and universities, working tirelessly to support and assist students moving to Austin, making sure that they were placed in safe environments, even if it meant bringing students home with her if housing was unavailable.
During her tenure with AISD, Ms. Ada recognized the need for students to understand the importance of getting their education and to discover different future career paths. In 1983, Ada developed, co-produced, and hosted the district-sponsored television show “It’s Your Future,” a 30-minute talk show featuring notable community professionals across various fields.
As a business woman, Ms. Ada founded A. Harden Productions in 2009, a company that
managed actors and singers, and provided public relations for advertising agencies and political
campaigns. Through A Harden Productions, Ms. Ada was able to showcase local talents, cast and book actors and musicians in well-known movies like “The New Guy,” backup singers for the Michael Bolton/Opry Winfrey live segments tour bus, and provide music entertainment throughout Texas.
As an actor, Ms. Ada can be seen in movies like “Red Headed Stranger,” “Scream Test,” “Rain,” “Kings of the Evening," and “Lonesome Dove," as well as local and national commercials for "Fresenius," a medical care facility, and Ex-Lax nationwide.
As a philanthropist, Ada supported the cultural arts, specifically, the Spectrum Theatre Company, founded in 2013 by her late son Billy Harden. She continued to support the company until her health began to fail.
In 2020, Ms. Ada served on the Advisory Board for the City of Austin project “My Park, My Pool, My City" and was one of the actresses for the “Givens Swims” event. Ada was also an active participant in the “Take Me Out to Downs Field," a yearlong celebration sponsored by Forklift Danceworks, honoring the legacy of African American male and female baseball
players.
While she was not an elected politician, she directly influenced municipal focus by serving on the City of Austin Commission for Women, lobbying for community wellness, gender equality, and neighborhood infrastructure. She was a prominent public voice at City Hall, regularly rallying East Austin residents to advocate for minority neighborhood budget priorities, local community health, public housing, and neighborhood park access
Ms. Ada specialized in public and community relations, regularly interfacing between civic institutions and minority neighborhoods in Austin to shape dialogue surrounding city issues, education, and career paths for local students.
Ada served as a key advisor and political strategist. Her campaigns focused entirely on
grassroots civic advocacy, education, and community visibility for minority youth in East Austin.
Her primary public work was channeled through the local school district and municipal advisory boards.
Her honors include: 2000 Profiles of Prominence – Hall of Fame Communications Honoree – National Women of Achievement, Inc. – Austin Metroplex Chapter, Texas Black Culture. Hall of Fame, Phoenix Award – Black Arts Alliance (now defunct), Wilhelmina Delco Black Culture Award, National Business League – Award of Distinction, and Godmother of the Year – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. She served on the City of Austin Arts Commission, Parks and Recreation Board – Rosewood Park, and the League of Women Voters – Austin Area, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Ada was a faithful and lifelong member of Metropolitan A.M.E. Church in Austin, Texas. She served as president of the Carrie B. Warren Missionary Society, director of the Young People Department Ministry, delegate to the AME Quadrennial, member of the Metropolitan Mass Choir, and lifelong member of the 10th episcopal district Missionary Society.
She leaves to mourn three adult children—Roosevelt, Jr. (Linda), Marilyn Harden, and Anita Davis (Rayborne)—and five grandchildren: Camisha Maxwell (Judson), Ayshia Harden, Rayborne Davis, Rayeanita “Cola” Davis, and Nakieta Davis. Four great-grandchildren, Dr. Savacia Farmer, Ajanae Spence, Cedric Foster, Jr., and JoVari Wells. One great-great-grandson, Cartier Z. Foster, alone with a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones.