Lorna Rose Harding's Obituary
Lorna Rose Harding, 69 of Winter Haven passed into the presence of her Lord Jesus on April 14, 2026 in Winter Haven, Florida. She was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica as one of five children to the late Sidell and Urcella Barton.
She was an alumna of Montego Bay High School and Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College. In 1982, Lorna married the love of her life and soulmate, Clive Harding. They shared that union and love for 43 years. Lorna lived in the South and Central Florida areas for over thirty-five years. Professionally, she was a payroll administrator. Outside of her occupation, she shared her talents as a member of the Florida Worship Choir and Orchestra, and former member of the Lakeland Choral Society. Spiritually, she and Clive worshiped, grew in conviction and served as members of The Lakes Church in Lakeland, Florida. Her devotion to, and relationship with Jesus Christ was paramount in her life.
Lorna loved her family deeply and cherished every memory made with them. She especially enjoyed family vacations to amusement parks, traveling across the country to admire God’s wonders and cruising the seas with her loved ones by her side. Several milestone moments brought her immense joy: her son’s graduation from boot camp and his first leave home from overseas deployment brought both pride and relief; later, her daughter’s graduation from the Florida International University with a Bachelor of Science degree filled her motherly heart with a sense of humble accomplishment. While these moments were magnificent, the birth of her granddaughters, Janelle and Alice, opened a new place for love in her heart, a love she never knew could exist. She treasured sharing Janelle’s first trip to Jamaica, as well as the connection through phone calls, videos, and photos with Alice.
Christmas, Thanksgiving, and birthdays, celebrated with her family, were truly highlights of her life. They will forever treasure her thoughtful guidance, her laughter, time spent with her granddaughter and the "finer points" of her favorite home-cooked dishes.
In addition to her parents, Lorna was preceded in death by her two brothers, Lloyd and Owen Barton.
She is lovingly survived by her husband, Clive Harding; daughter, Patrice Harding-Palmer and husband, Dyllan; son, Richard Harding and wife, Nicole; granddaughters, Janelle and Alice Harding; and her sisters, Naomi Stewart and Stephnie McCalla.
The love Lorna showed and the life she lived have been an inspiration to her family, friends and everyone who knew her. That inspiration will ignite her legacy, as her impact continues through the many lives she touched.
The family requests your presence for a visiting hour on Friday, May 15, 2026 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at The Lakes Church, 1010 East Memorial Boulevard, Lakeland, Florida. A funeral service to honor the life and legacy of Lorna will begin at 11:00 AM.
Following the service, a formal procession will make its way to Serenity Gardens of Lakeland where Lorna will be laid to rest.
In honor of Lorna’s heart for service, the family requests, in lieu of floral offerings, that gestures of love be directed to One More Child in Lakeland. This ministry held a very special place in her heart.
What’s your fondest memory of Lorna?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lorna?
Share a story where Lorna's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lorna you’ll never forget.
How did Lorna make you smile?
