This is a memorial fund for Tamala Joyce Simpson Harden who died peacefully on July 17, 2025, in her home in Tyler, Texas, after a long battle with Spinocerebellar Ataxia. She was born on July 16, 1968, to Dean and Shelbie Simpson in Tyler, Texas. She attended Bell Elementary, Moore Middle School, and Robert E Lee High School before attending Tyler Junior College. After graduating from high school in 1986, she was employed by Kelly Tire, where she worked in production, maintenance, and, finally, as an electrician. In 1997, she left the factory to stay home with her daughter and son. She returned to work at Clarkston Elementary as an aide for children with special needs from 2004 to 2009. During her 27-year marriage to her former husband, Gene Harden, she moved several times due to his employment, living in Kingwood, Texas, Plymouth, Indiana, and Clifton, Texas. In 2015, she returned to Smith County with her youngest child, Shelbie. They were soon joined by her older children, Rebecca and Christian. Rebecca, with the help of her significant other, Marvin Nix, was her constant and devoted caregiver until her passing. Tamala had a strong relationship with her Lord and Savior. She was active in Women's and Children's ministries at all churches she attended. Most recently, she attended Grace Community Church of Lindale. Tamala had an outgoing and generous personality. She never met a stranger. She loved the Bee Gees and a good laugh. Tamala was independent and strong, always knowing her strength and worth. Her greatest joy and accomplishments are the beautiful and loving children she leaves behind, Rebecca Joyce Harden and Marvin Nix, Christian Eugene and Brianna Harden, and Shelbie Ann Harden of Tyler, Texas. Christian and Bri are expecting her first grandchild, a baby boy, in November. She is also survived by her aunt Sherry Montgomery of Willisville, Arkansas, and nieces Katherine Rohrscheib of Evansville, Indiana, Emma Fisher of Tyler, Texas, and Molly Ginsberg of Tacoma, Washington. Other survivors include extended family, Barbara Johnson, Johnny and Arlene Harden, and Bradley and Angela Harden. She is preceded in death by her parents, Royce Dean and Shelbie Camp Simpson; her brother, Reggie Dean Simpson, of Tyler, Texas; her grandparents, Lola and Shefton Camp of Magnolia, Arkansas, and Beaulah and Pascal Simpson of Willisville, Arkansas. A Memorial Service will be held at Grace Community Church, Lindale, Texas, on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to her memorial fund at www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-tamalas-life-and-family or The Ataxia Foundation at www.Ataxia.org would be greatly appreciated. Her children and the Harden family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported her during her illness, especially Grace Community Church, St. Paul's Methodist Church, and Hospice of East Texas.

We are raising funds to cover the funeral expenses and to support her children during this difficult time.