Eldora Delores Hemphill Harper

Eldora Delores Hemphill Harper was born to the Rev. William and Rosie Hemphill on August 21, 1918, in Jefferson. She lived a long and fruitful live of service. She spent her youth in Jefferson. Mrs. Harper graduated Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, where she met her husband, Robert. Mrs. Harper later attended Bishop College and earned a master's degree in education. Dr. and Mrs. Harper were married February 26, 1944. To this union were born two children, Robert Jr., who preceded her in death, and Beverly Gale. Mrs. Harper had an undeniable love for her family and gave strength and support to all she knew. Mrs. Harper taught elementary students for 30 years in Jefferson and Longview and was in inspiration to countless young minds. She retired from the public school system in 1979, just in time to devote herself to her grandchildren and to pursue her community passions. She wore distinguished and elegant hats, both on her head and in her life. She was a mother, mentor, teacher, wife, grandmother, aunt, sister, leader, and friend. She opened her home and her heart to those who needed her. She had a love for life. She was warm. She was bright. She was a lady. She had very strong convictions, high standards, and was very courageous. She had an inner strength that enabled her to strive, to overcome, to achieve and to persevere. She was mentor to many and an active leader in the community. A founding member of the Longview Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Mrs. Harper was active for many years with the Auxiliary Organizations of the Gulf State Dental Association, the East Texas Medical Dental and Pharmaceutical Association, and the National Dental Association. Mrs. Harper loved the Lord, she loved the church, the members, those with whom she worked and those whom she taught. Galilee Baptist Church was her church home for more than 52 years, since 1953. There, she expressed her passion for education by serving as a Sunday school teacher, former president of the Mission No. 2 Auxiliary, the Board of Christian Education, and an active participant of the Deaconess Board. Mrs. Eldora Delores Hemphill Harper passed peacefully on Thursday, March 3, 2005. She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving and devoted husband of 61 years, Dr. Robert L. Harper; sister, Mrs. Willie D. Chapman; daughter, Beverly Harper Christopher; grandchildren, Calvin and Jewelette Christopher, Wylonda McDonald; sister-in-law, Mrs. Theresa Marie Lilly; brother-in-law, Booker T. Harper and his wife, Bettye; nieces Rosa Lynette Mains, Joyce LyGale Young, Willette Jones; nephews Robert Young, Reginald Young, Thomas Jones, Janomi Young, and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Greeting her on the other side are her parents, Rosie and William Hemphill; sisters Joy Jones and Venolia Williams; brothers, Paul Hemphill and Wilson Hemphill; and son Robert Harper, Jr. Service is scheduled for noon Saturday, March 12, 2005, at Galilee Baptist Church, 1301 South High Street, with J.B. Dunlap officiating. Burial will follow in Jordan Valley Memorial Park. Viewing will be 7:30-8:30 p.m. today at the same location. Arrangements are by Bigham Mortuary.