Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. | MS

Obituary For William Harper

Funeral services will be Sunday, October 13, 2019 at 2:00 p.m., Greater Enoch Grove M.B. Church, 206 Greenhill Road, Florence, MS 39073 with burial in Greater Enoch Grove Church Cemetery, 206 Greenhill Road, Florence, MS 39073.

Brother William Harper was born a man of surpassing faithfulness to God, family, church, community involvement and friends. William made the words of Joshua his own, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

William's heavenly transition was completed Sunday, October 6, 2019 at 6:29 p.m. at St. Dominic Hospital.

William was born September 13, 1936 to the late Edna Butler Harper and Emmitt Clarence Harper in Florence, Mississippi. He was the sixth of eleven children. William was preceded in death by three brothers; Willie Earnest Harper Sr., Lee Artis Sr. and Earnest Lee Harper; three sisters; Mae Etta Riles, Geraldine Girdle and Dorothy Nell Micheal.

William accepted Christ at an early age of Enoch Grove Baptist Church under leadership of the late Reverend Jefferson Morris. Later in life, William attended Greater Enoch Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. E.D. Hogan and the late Rev. Willie Lewis. William served as a trustee at Greater Enoch Grove over 40 years and continued to faithfully serve under his present pastor Rev. Kevin Patterson. He was a faithful member that enjoyed supporting his church.

William attended Enoch Grove School and later graduated from New Hope School in 1958. After over 40 years of hard work and dedication, William retired from Exide (Chloride Battery Plant) December 22, 1995 with many years served as a supervisor.

William was united in holy matrimony to his sweetheart Evelyn Lewis on October 10, 1965, God blessed William and Evelyn with five beautiful daughters (The Harper Girls).

Being a provided and protector to his wife and daughters was a daily ritual, but William always made time for what he enjoyed; Gardening, hauling pulp (paper) wood, raising cattle and going to church. William enjoyed fellow-shipping with others and most importantly loving on "HIS FAMILY".

William Harper leaves to cherish and honor his legacy: A loving and devoted wife Evelyn Lewis Harper of 53 years, five daughters, Vanessa Lewis-Gray (Grady) of Madison, MS, Jennie Harper-Cannon (James) of Florence, MS, Gloria Jean Harper of Florence, MS, Minister Jacquelin Johnson (Alphonso Sr.) of Jackson, MS and Ru-Tosha Lau-RayShun Harper of Florence, MS and a special daughter, Hurene Smith of Jackson, MS, eight grandchildren, Eva Sampson-Thompson (Jamal), Allison Neal (Patrick), Tamara Artis, Jordan Gray, Makiya Harper, Alphonso Johnson Jr., Genesis Cannon, and Antonio Johnson; two great grandchildren, Ayden Neal and Prince Neal. Paw Paw's babies, Paris Smith, Autumn Smith Avanna Liddel; three sisters, Pauline Morris of Chicago, IL, Willie Lois Quick of Florence, MS, one god-son: Adam Jones of Houston,TX and one god-daughter; Bobbie Sue Williams of Florence, MS; two sisters-in-law, Katie Harper of Jackson, MS and Patsy Harper of Florence, MS; two special nieces that loved him dearly Charlotte McNair of Florence, MS and Shvonda Cox-Harvey of Byram, MS and Paw Paw Uncle William babies, Karsyn Bankhead and Aydrian Harvey and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

William touched many lives with his smile and his humorous personality, but his wisdom and words of encouragement will last a lifetime. William will be missed by all who loved and cherished him. His journey had come to an end, but his great legacy will live on through his wonderful wife, daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren and god children.

Guest Book

Praying that God will strengthen each of you. Shirley Porter-Harper

- na

May God bless and strengthen each of you.

- na

Carolyn henton may all of youhave my sympayhy

- na

The late Evereece and Flora Morris Family extends to you our heartfelt sympathy and condolences. We know that God is a comforter and He will see you through this difficult time. Please know we are praying for you. God sees, knows and cares.

- na

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.