Gwendolyn Marie Harden (Keown), 90, passed away on February 15th, 2024 surrounded by her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, David Harden Jr., and her siblings, Joyce Elaine Keown, Clois Milton Keown, Ronald Aiken Keown.

She is survived by her siblings, Thomas Eugene Keown; Patsy Jean Keown; Morris Wayne Keown; Teresa Dianne Keown; and her five sons Terry James Harden (Petra, grandson Noah); Michael David Harden (Rona, grandchildren Amber, Michael, Michelle); Gary Lee Harden (Rebecca, grandchildren Ashley, Jessica, Lee); Philip Charles Harden (Ruth, grandsons Justin, Ian, Sean); and Brian Kevin Harden (Susan, granddaughters Anna, Katherine); and she was blessed with eight great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly (Harper, Everett, Norah, Conner, Carleigh, Cayla, Austin, and Clark).

Gwen was born on May 5th, 1933 to the late Wyatt Keown and Inez Roach. She was raised in Walhalla, SC. She soon "fell" for her husband Dave after he caught her stumbling down a flight of stairs at a movie theater! They were married and moved to Clemson from 1954 to 1959. After several promotions in Dave's career, they settled in Shelby, North Carolina where they continued to raise five boys.

Gwen's hearty laugh was contagious. Growing up as the eldest of eight children, she knew how to craft a home full of joy and humor. She built a life with her husband Dave as a team, sharing in each other's accomplishments. They made the decision for Gwen to be the true homemaker. It takes grit and dedication to keep five boys fed, healthy, and out of jail! But she never compromised her beliefs or responsibilities to her family. Her love and forethought made "home" a place of rejuvenation and delight.

Even with five boys running around the house getting into all manner of mischief, Gwen could readily pick up the phone with a calm, elegant presence. Her balanced demeanor gave her a super power in reading you like a book, encouraging you to do your best, and lifting you up when you needed help. She supported her five boys in every stage of their journey. Gwen's work ethic and dedication in her role as a mother and volunteer inspired her boys to give their all in each of their pursuits. She took great satisfaction in the fact that all her boys graduated from college to become professionals.

For Gwen, family was her bedrock. Known as Gwenmommy to her grandkids, she was the quintessential matriarch. She gave the grandkids the gift of good manners and showered them with memorable holidays, tea parties, and gatherings. Her devotion to family was also evident when Dave became debilitated in 1999, and she cared for him until his death in 2007. Her generosity and unconditional love was as loud and infectious as her laugh!

Gwen was a nutritionist and dedicated to "closing her rings" on her health app. She memorized new words, and kept track of the news on her many Apple devices. Her acuity never faded thanks to her discipline to maintain her mind and body.

Gwen was a member of Central United Methodist Church for over 50 years. Her Christian faith was evident in her stories and lived experiences, leaving a powerful mark on her family. She loved to support causes such as the Boys and Girls Club, the church soup kitchen, Habitat for Humanity, and other organizations. When seeing her sons for the last time she said, "Who would have ever thought a small town girl like me would grow up to do so much."

Our family would like to thank Bonita Culbreth, Gaynelle Roberts, and Rachel Bullard for their friendship and assistance during Gwen's later years.

The community is invited for a service followed by a reception on Saturday Feb. 24th at 1pm at Central United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you contribute to the Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland County in Gwen's memory.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is compassionately serving the Harden family.