Mary Anne Harper

1943 - 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Anne Harper on November 8, 2025, at the age of 82. Mary Anne was born on March 26, 1943, to Arthur D. and Mabel M. (nee Stephens) Wellinghurst in Louisville, Kentucky. She grew up in the St. Matthews community and attended Waggener High School before completing both a BA and an MA in history at the University of Kentucky. She married James Douglas Harper, III, son of James Douglas Harper, Jr., and Anna Cowley (nee Robinson) Harper, on May 22, 1965, in Lexington and later had three children with her husband before he passed away in 1978.



Mary Anne taught U.S. history and government in the public school system for approximately three decades, primarily in Sarasota County, FL, where she moved in 1979. Widely recognized by her peers for the passion she brought to the classroom, Mary Anne took great pride in cultivating within her students a deep understanding of and appreciation for the history of this country. Throughout her career, and after retiring and moving back to Lexington in 2010, she continued to tutor students in after school programs, and also worked as a substitute teacher at The Lexington School. Outside of the classroom, she was an active volunteer at the Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota, and then at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Lexington. Mary Anne is remembered for her resilience, propriety, and love for books and new discoveries. One of her greatest joys in life was traveling to new destinations at home and abroad.



Into her final months battling Alzheimer's disease, she spoke with firm clarity of her desire to start a new chapter in life. She will be missed by family and friends.



Mary Anne was predeceased by her brothers Charles and David Wellinghurst and her sister Linda Reid. She is survived by her three children: James (Myra) Harper, Patrick Harper, and John (Tabitha) Harper; her three granddaughters: Emily, Katherine, and Annabel Harper; her sister Judy Bibb, and nieces, nephews.