Marlyn Grace “Shock” Meincke Harper

Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Marlyn Grace “Shock” Meincke Harper, who went home to be with the Lord on January 19, 2026, at the age of 85.

Grace was born on June 21, 1940, in Arnoldsburg, West Virginia. From an early age, her intelligence and determination were evident. She graduated as valedictorian of her class in 1957 from Calhoun County High School, a distinction that reflected the dedication and excellence she carried throughout her life.

She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Glenville State College, beginning a lifelong calling in education. Grace devoted her career to teaching at many schools, touching countless lives along the way. One of her most memorable and cherished roles was at Spruce Creek High School in Port Orange, Florida, where she ran the well-known and deeply loved program “Wee Hawks.” Through this program, she made a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the community by offering guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support.

In 1992, Grace started the “Graceful Country Dancers,” a western-country line-dancing group. Together, they performed many events throughout Florida. It was through this group that she met Karl Harper in 1995, who later joined the dancers.

In 2003, Grace married her beloved husband, Karl Harper. Family was always at the center of Grace’s life, and she poured her heart into her children whom she loved with unwavering devotion.

Grace is survived by her husband, Karl Harper; her daughters, Melissa Taliercio Osborne and Amber Meincke Harper; her son, Fred Meincke Jr.; and her grandchildren, Fred Meincke III, and Kaylee Taliercio.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert McDonald Shock; her mother, Hilda Gherke Shock; nine of her siblings; and her beloved daughter, Amanda Meincke.

While the loss is unimaginable, her family finds comfort and peace in knowing she is now whole and at rest in the presence of the Lord. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life, and her family takes refuge in the words of Scripture:

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Psalm 18:2 (NIV)

A service to celebrate Grace’s life will be held on January 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at White Chapel Church of God,
1730 S. Ridgewood Ave.,
South Daytona, FL 32119.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.