J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Harper, John E., Sr.

Saturday, November 11, 2006

John E.Harper, Sr. (Tom), age 72, of Chesterfield went to be with the Lord, Nov.11, 2006. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was an active member of Chester Baptist Church for 20+ years. He was retired from the International Union of Elevator Constructors, Local 51. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie C. and Sallie Butler Harper; son, Ralph Stuart Harper; brother, Edgar A. Harper, and sister, Catherine Harper Davis. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Mustian Harper; two daughters, Debbie Miller and husband, Randy, and Rhonda Harper Christopher; one son John E. Harper, Jr. and wife, Vanessa, six grandchildren: Mark Barker, James Barker and wife, Tiffany, Victoria Christopher, Christina, Summer and John Harper, III; two great grandchildren, Bryan and Dakota Barker; four sisters, Merle Ego, Betty Lee, Alene Foster and Lois Ulrich. The family will receive friends at the Chesterfield Chapel of J.T. Morriss and Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service on Monday, Nov. 13th from 6 to 8 pm. Funeral services will be held at Chester Baptist Church on Tuesday, Nov. 14th at 10 am. Interment to follow at Dale Memorial Park. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chester Baptist Church, Building Fund, or VCU Massey Cancer Center, Thomas Palliative Unit. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.

Dear Mrs. Harper and Family,
You don't know me but I was a friend of Mr. Harper's. My love for "treasures" was how I came to know your husband, father and grandfather. We would chat about family and life as I scrounged through his little shop in Colonial Heights. I have sorely missed our Saturday morning chats as he talked about how much you all meant to him. I drove by his shop this morning and heard the sad news. He was a wonderful man and I have missed him terribly.
With sincerest condolences,
Shelley Huber

Posted by: Shelley Huber at November 18, 2006 02:02 PM

Shirley, Rhonda... please know that you & your families are in our prayers tonite; You have lost a great man. Les & I will forever treasure our memories of John ...how he patiently put up with us, along with Ann & Lew on that infamous fishing trip to the Chesapeake Bay many years ago, where we discovered you really can hook more than one fish at a time, and then the fun ride home in the back of your pickup truck, topped only by the fish fry in your back yard. I can picture him, now. Until we can meet again, sincere condolences during this very difficult time ...Patty & Les.

Posted by: Patty & Les Schreiner at November 13, 2006 09:51 PM

Dear Mrs. Harper, Johnny and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of Mr. Harper. He will remain in my heart always. Unfortunately, I cannot be with you in person to give each of you a hug, but know that I am thinking of you. I am keeping you all in my prayers.
My deepest sympathy and love,
Dorothy

Posted by: Dorothy Fisher Byrd at November 13, 2006 08:52 PM

I was so sorry to hear that Mr. Harper had passed. I know how hard it must be, and my thoughts and prayers are with the entire family through these rough times. Just know that Mr. Harper is no longer suffering or in pain and is now in a better place. Again, my sincere sympathies in regards to his passing.

Posted by: Kathy Rotchford at November 13, 2006 01:00 PM