Anna Harkley

Anna Mae Gladden was born to the late Willie James Gladden and Melissa Mae Lewis on July 3, 1932 in Thomasville, North Carolina. She was adored by her parents and siblings: Helen Lewis-Hayes (deceased), Willie Dorsett, Jr. (deceased), Albert Dorsett (deceased), Bennie Gladden (deceased) and Carrie Isabelle Freese of Raleigh, NC.

Anna attended Church High School in Thomasville, NC. She was a faithful member of St. John Methodist Church where her beautiful soprano voice was discovered. Many still have fond memories of Anna’s soul penetrating solos.

Anna chose North Carolina Central University (then known as North Carolina College at Durham) to pursue a BS Degree in Biology and Health Education. She furthered her education by obtaining a MS Degree at NCCU in Educational Counseling, Administration & Supervision. She took courses at St. Augustine’s College, Shaw University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel-Hill toward her elementary teaching certification.

Anna enjoyed working and began her career at National Broadcasting Company in New York City in the Personnel Department. She often held summer jobs in New York. Her teaching career began at West Elm Street Junior High in Goldsboro, NC followed by Cooper Elementary in Clayton, NC. After relocating to Raleigh, she joined the Wake County Public School System where she served for 32 years before retiring. She promoted her love for education at Lucille Hunter Elementary (Special Education teacher), J.Y. Joyner Elementary (6th grade teacher),

Carroll Junior High (Guidance Counselor), Daniels Junior High (Assistant Principal), Baucom Elementary (Guidance Counselor), Athens Drive Senior High (Guidance Counselor) and Mary E. Phillips Senior High (In-School Suspension). Her professional associations include the National Association of University Women (NAUW), the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE), and the National Education Association (NEA).

Anna met Harvey Delafone Heartley, Sr. (deceased) while attending NCCU. They married on June 5, 1955 and had three children: Delphyne, Harvey Jr. (deceased) and Shawn. The family joined First Baptist Church in 1963 where Anna was a dedicated member of the Senior Choir, Finance Committee, Missionary Society and Bible Study Fellowship. She founded the Senior Ministry, taught Vacation Bible School and served as Church Clerk. Anna married Carroll Hunt in the early 80s and lived and worked for a time in Roper, NC. Anna married James Harkley in the late 90s and they settled in Raleigh. She and James enjoyed traveling and entertaining family and friends until his death in 2001.

Anna’s life was full of community involvement. She was faithful to her beloved alma mater, NCCU, and held various positions in the alumni association. She enjoyed social involvement with the National Epicureans, the Red Hatters and the Ladybugs Card Club.

Anna enjoyed life and will always be remembered for her laugh, smile, love of cooking and beautiful soprano voice. She leaves to cherish her memories: two daughters, Delphyne Freeman (Durham), Shawn Winstead (Raleigh); one sister, Carrie Isabelle Freese (Raleigh); one daughter-in-law, Mary Heartley (Raleigh); one son-in-law Eddy Winstead (Raleigh); four grandchildren, Antoine Smith (Raleigh), Haley Heartley (Charlotte), Sydney Winstead (Raleigh), Natalie Winstead (Raleigh); one great grandchild, Aniya Smith (Raleigh) and a host of nieces and nephews.

Viewing:  1:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at Lea Funeral Home Chapel, 2500 Poole Road, Raleigh, NC.

Virtual Funeral Service:  1:30 PM, Thursday, August 6, 2020, www.leafuneralhome.com.

Entombment:  Raleigh Memorial Park, Raleigh, NC.

In lieu of flowers, checks may be made to the NCCU Foundation General Scholarship Fund, In memory of Anna Harkley. (Memo line fund #20010)

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