ATLANTA — Funeral arrangements have been announced for Bankhead Seafood founder and an icon in the Atlanta community.

Helen Brown Harden, also known as Ms. Harden and “Mama” passed away just weeks after celebrating the grand reopening of Bankhead Seafood, according to a social media post on Dec. 2.

According to Bankhead Seafood, the viewing for Harden will be held at WIllie Watkins Funeral Home located at David Abernathy Blvd. SW Atlanta on Friday from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. The funeral will be held at Mount Olive Baptist Church located at 2174 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW Atlanta at 1 p.m.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the Harden family as we join in mourning this extraordinary woman who graced our lives and community with her unmatched kindness and love,” according to the Instagram post. “For over 50 years, Mrs. Harden nourished the city of Atlanta, both with her cooking and her boundless spirit. Her unwavering dedication and compassion touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.”

The historic restaurant, originally owned by Harden, opened over 50 years ago. Harden closed in 2018.

During the grand reopening ceremony held on Nov. 17, the new owners, Atlanta hip-hop icons, activists and entrepreneurs T.I. and Killer Mike said they wanted to make sure to honor Harden’s legacy and many contributions.

“It’s a pleasure and an honor to be able to reintroduce this legendary experience back to the community,” T.I. previously said. “Ms. Harden has been feeding this community and offering employment opportunities. She has served as an example of entrepreneurship and success on this side of town, on this very street and in this very building. It’s an honor to carry on this legacy alongside my partner Killer Mike.”

Krystal Peterson, one of the real estate developers that helped revitalize Bankhead Seafood, previously said Harden “loved her business and she didn’t want to go into the hands of these big developers.

“As we celebrate her remarkable life and mourn her passing, let us hold tightly to the joy, love, and inspiration she brought to so many,” the previous statement reads. “Her legacy lives on, especially on the corner of Bankhead and Westlake in Atlanta, GA, where her presence shaped the heart of our community. We are committed to carrying her vision forward. Bankhead Seafood will remain the warm, welcoming place she built, a true testament to her dedication and love for the people of Atlanta. Atlanta, thank you for standing with us during this difficult time. Together, we honor Mrs. Harden’s life, her family, and her enduring contributions. May we continue to cherish the beautiful memories she leaves behind and strive to reflect her incredible legacy in all that we do.”