A Time to Be Born …The song of Matthew's life began on January 10, 1955, in
Tyler, Texas, when he was born the fourth child of eight children to the blessed
parents, Matthew Harden and Luberta Starr Harden. His birth sang of hope for
a brighter day and a better future, not only for him but for the many others
whom he would impact throughout his life. Matthew was preceded in death by
his father and mother and brothers Fercy, Wayne, and Donnell.

A Time for Learning … Matthew received his early education in the Tyler and
Chapel Hill School Districts. He attended Dunbar Elementary School, Jackson
Junior High School, and was the 1973 Valedictorian of the newly integrated Chapel
Hill High School. After high school, Matthew attended Tyler Junior College
from 1973 to 1975, earning his Associate Degree in Business. While attending
school at TJC, he worked at American Clay. In 1977, Matthew graduated from
the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Business Administration in
Finance and Accounting. As a strong believer in the importance of education
and a passionate advocate for continued learning, Matthew received his Strategic
Planning Certification from Syracuse University and a Network Systems Integration Certification from Texas Tech
University.

A Time to Worship … Matthew professed his faith in Christ during his early years at Sunshine Missionary Baptist
Church in Tyler, Texas. After relocating to Dallas, Matthew fellowshipped with St. Luke "Community" United
Methodist Church and Cliff View Church of Christ.

A Time to Work … Matthew began his career with Dallas ISD in 1978 in the Federal Program Division as a Budget
and Control Specialist. He advanced quickly through the Comptroller's Office and the Office of the Treasurer.
Matthew was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Finance and then to Deputy Superintendent in charge of
all administrative operations other than campus instruction. After retiring from Dallas ISD, Matthew became
CEO and principal owner of several companies providing strategic business planning, project management, and
consulting.

A Time to Serve … As a servant leader, Matthew unselfishly shared his expertise and talents. Matthew was a
member of the Dallas Regional National Alliance of Black School Educators (drNABSE). He was the Circle Ten Boy
Scouts of America Campaign Chairperson and was appointed to the Dallas Regional Chamber's Leadership Dallas.
Matthew was a charter member and First and Second Term Chairperson for the Black Contractors Association. He
was appointed to the following Boards of Directors: City Center Tax Increment Financing District, State of Texas
Class Investment Pool, and State of Texas Facility Planning Commission. Additionally, Matthew was a member of
the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce and the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce.

A Time to Play … Matthew loved all sports and had a passion for basketball and football. In later years, he became
an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time with his golfing friends, sharing stories of who had the best shot or the
lowest score. Each golfer depended on him to be the scorekeeper and to report the scores correctly.

Time to be remembered … To cherish his precious memories, Matthew Harden, Jr. is survived by the love of his
life, Lynette; sons Matthew Harden III and Montriel Harden; sister Ruth McGee (Bennie); brothers Odell, Pascal,
and Felix Harden; a host of nieces and nephews; a special cousin, Jean Starr; special friend Gary Aldredge; and
numerous cousins, extended family, other relatives, and close friends