Elsie Mary Harper

Elsie Pennington Harper, 91, until just recently of Grottoes, Virginia, passed away March 28, 2014, at Sentara-RMH Medical Center.

She was born February 9, 1923 in Dryfork, West Virginia and was the daughter of the late Joseph Joshua and Elva Ida Sheffer Pennington.


On July 27, 1940 she married Harold Harper, who preceded her in death on March 9, 1998.

She leaves behind all of her seven children, eighteen grandchildren, twenty-nine great-grandchildren, with two more on the way; and one great-great granddaughter. This includes daughter, Elaine Norton and husband, Fred, of Spring Hill, FL, son, Don Harper and wife, Brenda, of Grottoes, son, Bill Harper and wife, Jane, of Harrisonburg, daughter, Linda Cook and husband, Carl, of Mount Solon, son, Dwight Harper and wife, Jolene, of Grottoes, daughter, Cathy Sexton and husband, Larry, of Clintonville, Wisconsin, and daughter, Carolyn Palmer and Steve Donald of Lexington; and one sibling, Willard Pennington and wife, Linda of Hedgesville, West Virginia.

In addition to her parents and spouse, she was preceded in death by brothers, Olen Sheffer, Odis, Jacob, Homer, Robert, Gordon and David Pennington; sisters, Idella Pennington, Lorella Pennington, Pauline Pennington, Lula Hamilton, Bessie Varner and Ann Madison.

In accordance with her wishes, there will only be a private graveside service on Monday, March 31, when she will be laid to rest beside her late husband.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Resident Care Endowment Fund at Bridgewater Healthcare Foundation, 302 North Second Street, Bridgewater, VA, 22812.

Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg is handling arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lindseyweyerscave.com.