Emma Harper

Emma Neill Harper ROCK HILL - Emma Neill Harper, 93, of Rock Hill, passed away Sunday, August 31, 2014, at home. Born in Charlotte, N.C., Mrs. Harper was the daughter of the late William and Rachel Neill. She was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church. She was the first ordained female Elder of the former Bethel Presbytery in 1971. Mrs. Harper was a past Treasurer of the SC Women of the Church Synod and a lifetime Sunday School teacher. She is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, Roland Harper, Sr.; a son, Roland Harper, Jr. (Lucille), of Rock Hill; a daughter, Becky Thrower (Bob), of Hendersonville, N.C.; three grandchildren, Ashley Hall (Todd), of Rock Hill, Lauren H. Miller (Kurt), of Rock Hill, and Scott Thrower (Arin), of Kissimmee, Fla.; and four great-grandchildren, Carly and Addy Hall, Jackson Miller, and Goldie Thrower. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2014, at Covenant Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends following the service at the church and other times at the son's home located at 3483 Strait Rd., Rock Hill, SC 29730. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church. Condolences can be registered online at basscares.com. Bass-Cauthen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.