Harriet Pippin

Obituary For Harriet Pippin

Harriet Louise Johnson Pippin was born February 14, 1926, in Ashland, KY to Reggie Henry Johnson and Bonnie Dell Keeton. Yes, on Valentine’s Day and she was definitely a sweetheart! She left this mortal life on June 10, 2022, and now has her glorified body! She professed Christ at an early age at New Hope Baptist Church in Ashland, KY and as an only child, enjoyed learning about the Lord and how his mercies never fail. Harriet graduated as the Valedictorian of State Street High School and enrolled at Tennessee State A&I College. She initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Psi Chapter in 1946. She was elected by the student body as Miss Tennessee State in 1946 and 1947. She graduated in 1948, but she finished all of her class work in 1947, and married the love of her life, William L. Pippin on December 27. 1947. To this union were born 4 children – William Reggie, Bonnie, Thomascine, and Johnsie, all named after beloved family members. Shortly afterwards, they relocated to Washington,D.C., where her husband completed his studies at Howard University’s School of Pharmacy. They moved to Memphis to raise their family. Her career as an educator with Memphis City Schools, included Book T. Washington High School and Georgia Avenue Elementary. Once she retired from teaching after 31 years, she took to the road. Harriet developed a love for traveling when her parents took her to the 1937 World’s Fair in New York City. She visited every state within the continental United States, except Vermont, by either plane, train, or bus. She loved visiting family and friends, and never met a stranger. She kept her Bible on her lap while traveling and if presented with a chance to witness about the Lord, she did just that. There was no moss under her feet. She loved sports – basketball, football, baseball, hockey, track,and she would even watch horse racing and rugby. In fact, she went to two Superbowls, a few Army-Navy games, several Rose Bowl games, NFC Championship game, just to name a few. On the day she departed this life, she watched the NCAA SEC track and field tournament. Harriet was a member of Metropolitan Baptist Church for over 70 years. Her joy was serving the Lord. She exemplified Christ in every endeavor set before her. No tasks, at The Met was too great or too small, and always met with preeminence. This includes, washing dishes, cooking, mopping, cleaning the church and serving people. Well into her 80s, her passion for education continued with volunteering at Cummings Elementary, Metropolitan’s adopted school. She was involved in the Progressive National Baptist Convention and served as Historian in the Women’s Department from 1989-1991 under President Hazel Tate. Finally, as most of you know, Harriet loved to send handwrittennotes to family and friends. This was her way of expressing her love and concern for others. Her dear friend, Etha A. Wiggins, talked about how Harriet always considered others, and she lived by that until the day she transitioned. She leaves to celebrate her life, her children, William Reggie Pippin (Vickie,) Bonnie Mills (Larry), Thomascine Pippin Mills (Charles), and Johnsie D. Pippin. She leaves beyond her children, bonus daughters, Charlotte Ruth King, Toni Brooks, and Chivena Kneeland Irons. Her grandchildren, Trinia Pippin-Dones (Danielle), Bryan A. Pippin (deceased) (Nichole), Jocelyn King, Lauren Young, Lawrence Young, Lowell Young, LaToya Young, and Bralyn Cathy (Pia). Her great-grandchildren, Christy Hampton, Tenia Davis, Bryonna Pippin, Loreal Young, Asjah Pippin, and Laila Young. Her great-great-grandchildren, Camryn Hampton, Bryon Mercer, Cody Hampton, Cari Hampton, Carter Taylor, and Bryleigh Pippin. Many called her Harriet, but to those who loved her dearly, she was our Momma, Grandma, Grandmomma, Pip, Aunt Harriet, Harriet Louise, and Harr-Bear. She was loved personified. We will miss her tremendously, yet her legacy will continue to live in each of us.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 15, 2022 from 4:00pm-6:00pm. A funeral service will be held Thursday, June 16, 2022 11:00am both held at Metropolitan Baptist Church 767 Walker Ave