Mother Essie Lee Harden High

Obituary For Mother Essie Lee Harden High

Mother Essie Lee Harden High was born the fifteenth of eighteen children to the late John Allen Harden and Florence Thrash Harden in Monroe County, Georgia, on October 26, 1930. Although her official birth date was October 26, she celebrated her birthday on November 26, the date her mother told her she was born.

Mother Essie was known for her reputation as a strong and courageous woman, yet she carried a loving, gentle touch that impacted everyone she met.

Mother Essie peacefully transitioned in the early morning hours of Saturday, January 24, 2026, after eight days of hospitalization. She was an extraordinary woman whose many talents included gardening, traveling, attending church, taking care of others, and making people laugh. She was also known for being lovingly feisty, a quality that brought joy and laughter to all who knew her.

Education was important to Mother Essie. During her school years, public education was limited, and students were educated through the local church in Culloden, Georgia, where she completed the eighth grade. She often shared the story of walking miles to catch the school bus, only to watch it leave as she approached—yet she never allowed hardship to diminish her strength or determination. In her seventy’s she attempted to get her GED.

At a young age, Mother Essie joined Cross Road AME Church, which later became Parker Chapel AME Church Culloden, GA. She remained a faithful member all her years and eventually became the oldest living member before relocating to Fairburn, Georgia, to live with her daughter. During her years of service, she faithfully served as a Class Leader, on the Pastor's Aide Board, and as a devoted member of the Mother's Board. She became a citizen of In His Great Name Worship Center, Fairburn, GA where she served until her death.

Mother Essie was widely known for her exceptional gardening skills. One of her accomplishments included growing string beans so long they were featured in the Barnesville Gazette. Her collard greens were legendary—so large and flavorful that people traveled from near and far to receive some. She generously shared her harvest with family and the community, and her cooked greens were unforgettable to anyone who tasted them.

Throughout her life, Mother Essie worked many labor-intensive jobs, including picking and chopping cotton, picking peaches, harvesting pecans, and working with various vegetables. She was employed at Twistex Winder and later Bibb's Mill, where she faithfully worked for thirty years before retiring. After retirement, she became an entrepreneur with Avon, where she rose to become one of the top distributors

Mother Essie's legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched with her remarkable ability to make everyone feel like the most important person in the room. To many, she was either "Mama" or "Big Mama," because she embraced everyone as her own—regardless of race or relation. She lovingly cared for the children in her community, offering guidance, discipline, and unconditional love. One of her greatest joy was being on the gospel radio with Rev. Head as a cohost.

Mother Essie was preceded in death by her daughter Brenda; her parents, John and Florence Harden; her seventeen siblings: Willie, Tommie, Gilbert, Wesley, Arthur, Buella Mae, Cleothia, James, Hugh Dorsey, Bennie, Annie Mae, Earl, Nathaniel, Julian, Lucille, and Mary Nell; and three children she lovingly helped rear: Willie Lee, Eugene, and Richard.

Mother Essie leaves to cherish her everlasting memory her devoted daughters Danita Jones and Sandra High; devoted son-in-law Eric Jones; two loving and faithful grandsons, Mr. & Mrs. Keilonza Harden and Mr. & Mrs. Montrez Dorsey; a devoted niece she helped rear, Lillie Ruth Myles; and her daughter Keba Parker; and her spiritual children Marcheketta, Ulysees, and Shirley. A special niece who was her caretaker. She has many special children that she loved deeply.

She is also survived by her devoted granddaughter Yalonda Harden, who lovingly helped care for her; fourteen great-grandchildren; thirteen great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Jimmy (Dorothy) High; sister-in-law Annie Zellner; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended family who will forever remember her infectious laugh, warm smile, and loving embrace.

Send flowers to the service of Mother Essie Lee Harden High